HC Deb 02 February 1948 vol 446 cc1452-3
35. Sir Wave11 Wakefield

asked the Minister of Transort for what purpose is the former Great Central Hotel in St. Marylebone now being used; and what accommodation is being provided for railway workers in the building.

Mr. Barnes

I am informed by the British Transport Commission that rooms on the second and third floors of No. 222, Marylebone Road, formerly the Hotel Great Central, are being used as offices by the Railway Executive. No railway workers are accommodated in the building.

Sir W. Wakefield

Is the Minister aware that owing to the grave housing shortage in St. Marylebone there is very great resentment at this place being used for offices and not for housing accommodation, as it was originally stated it would be?

Mr. Barnes

Steps are being taken already and other premises have been acquired, but it was very desirable—at least, in my view—that these Executives should be sitting in existing requisitioned properties so that other buildings did not have to be requisitioned.

Sir W. Smithers

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. As this is the last Question to the Minister of Transport today—this is a matter of great principle—can you tell the House with whom the decision rests as to the responsibility or otherwise of the Minister for answering any particular Question?

Mr. Speaker

With the Minister, of course.