HC Deb 03 November 1943 vol 393 c648
27. Mr. Craik Henderson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether, as the result of the restriction of hotel accommodation by recent Government action, he is aware that many business men from the provinces who require to stay in London overnight are unable to find accommodation; and what he proposes to do to remedy the position?

Mr. Hicks

The American Army has asked us to provide extra accommodation. To meet this demand we are preparing accommodation in large houses and we shall complete this by the end of the year. To meet their present needs we have had to reserve 500 beds temporarily in an hotel until the alternative accommodation is available. We are aware of the hardship on business men and, as stated, are taking immediate steps to relieve the position.

Mr. Henderson

While I thank the Minister for his reply, will he realise the great hardship to business men when they have to come up to town and may call at a dozen or more hotels without getting any accommodation at all, and will he also realise that this is a matter affecting the war effort and see whether it is possible to deal with the problem?

Mr. A. C. Reed

Would it not be simpler to reduce the number of Statutory Rules and Orders which no one understands and which affect tens of thousands of business men?