HC Deb 15 March 1948 vol 448 cc1672-3
9. Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Works when it is expected to release the Hans Crescent Hotel, at present used as a transit centre for European voluntary workers recruited from the Continent.

Mr. Key

I regret I cannot give a date for the release of this hotel. So far, it has not been possible to find alternative accommodation.

Commander Noble

Could the right hon. Gentleman assure us that every effort is being made to find alternative accommodation, as it seems wrong that this valuable accommodation should not be made available to the public?

Mr. Key

Yes, Sir, we are making every effort we can.

Mr. Keeling

In view of the great shortage of hotel beds in Chelsea and Westminster, is it really necessary for this training centre to be in London at all?

Mr. Key

If we could get alternative accommodation we should do without hotels, but at present we cannot.

Mr. Vane

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what these European voluntary workers learn at the Hans Crescent Hotel?