§ 34. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyreasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why he has not exercised his statutory powers under Section 6 (4) of the Electricity Act to require a report concerning the purchase by the South-East Regional Board of Princes Hotel, Hove, in view of the fact that a sum of £160,000 was involved.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe selection and purchase of accommodation is a matter within the discretion of the Area Board and I do not propose to require them to submit detailed information on such a matter.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreAs the price paid for this hotel was something like 25 per cent. higher than in the sales of similar property, can the Minister say why he does not think it necessary to exercise his powers?
§ Mr. GaitskellI cannot accept the assumption in the first part of the supplementary question and, therefore, there is no need for me to answer the second.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreDoes not the Minister agree that payment on the basis of £125 per room as against the normal £100 per room is a great waste of public funds?
§ Mr. GaitskellThat is entirely dependent on what goes with the room.