HC Deb 16 February 1948 vol 447 cc808-9
12. Mr. William Teeling

asked the Minister of Works why the Electricity Board are being allowed to take over Princes Hotel, Hove; how much they are paying for it; how much it will cost them to re-equip; how many bedrooms this hotel had before the war; how many flats could have been made out of it; what would have been the cost to re-open it as an hotel; and why it has not been previously requisitioned for housing.

Mr. Key

My Ministry has no jurisdiction over the British Electricity Authority and did not provide this accommodation for them. I regret, therefore, that I cannot give the information asked for in the question. I understand that the premises were not considered suitable for housing purposes.

Mr. Teeling

Does the Minister realise that his predecessor told me on frequent occasions that no more property of this kind would be requisitioned, and can he say why it is being done now? Furthermore, is he aware that something like 2,000 families at Hove, of whom 1,000 are on the priority list, are waiting for houses? This is a complete scandal, and if he does not have the authority, at least he can use his influence to stop such a thing happening.

Mr. Key

The point is that these properties are not requisitioned; they are being acquired by the British Electricity Authority.

Mr. Marlowe

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can ascertain from she Electricity Board whether they sought accommodation elsewhere than in Hove, which is already overcrowded?

Mr. Key

It is not my function to question the activities of the British Electricity Board, and there is no purpose in asking that.

Mr. Teeing

Is the Minister aware that officials informed the local council that if they did not help them take these places over they had powers to requisition?

Mr. Key

That I do not know. I am not responsible.

Mr. Teeling

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.