§ 10. Captain R. TERRELLasked the Secretary of State for War what was the cost of transferring General Headquarters in Cairo from the Savoy Hotel to Abbassia; what further sum it cost a few weeks later to move it back to Cairo and place it in the Eden Palace Hotel; and what rent is now paid for this hotel?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI have now received a report from Egypt, which goes to show that each move was made from motives of economy. The move was made from the Savoy Hotel because the rent was raised to £700 per month. The cost of the alterations at Abbassia Barracks necessitated by the transfer was £360. Besides the rent of the hotel other considerable savings were effected. On the other hand when at Abbassia charges for transport to and from Cairo were heavy. When therefore the Eden Palace Hotel became available, the opportunity was at once taken to save these charges by returning to Cairo. The rent is just over £200 a month, with three months' notice after 12 months.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHow is it these hotels are still required in view of the fact that they were used for ordinary tourists before the War, when we had a considerable force there?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI should require notice of any details, but obviously there are a number of troops at headquarters at Cairo much beyond the ordinary.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYBut is it necessary to take large hotels?