HC Deb 17 June 1948 vol 452 cc619-20
1. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of trade if, in view of the fact that the Station Hotel, Aberdeen, has recently been de-requisitioned and is now about to be restored to a condition to house the large numbers of visitors both British and foreign expected this summer, he will grant a special allocation for linen and internal fittings under the priority scheme sufficient to utilise the whole of this hotel.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Harold Wilson)

No application for help with equipment has been received from this hotel, but I should be ready to consider giving some assistance, similar to that normally granted to de-requisitioned establishments, nearer the time of its re-opening. I understand that the building work alone involved in the restoration of this hotel will take about nine months to complete.

Mr. Hughes

While I thank the Minister for that reply, may I ask him if he is aware that already the building work has been put in hand, that it is hoped to have the hotel completed in time for the very large number of visitors expected this summer and that the licence for restoration will be ineffective unless allocations are made on the lines suggested at the end of the Question?

Mr. Wilson

When they get nearer to opening, I shall certainly be willing to give the appropriate assistance as I have said.