HC Deb 22 February 1949 vol 461 cc1685-6
51. Sir John Mellor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the cost of 2, Park Street, W.1, for purposes of Government hospitality, giving separately capital and current expenditure and the period covered; what has been the average cost per guest per day including overhead expenses; and how far alternative accommodation was available.

Sir S. Cripps

Number 2, Park Street was opened because it was and often still is impossible for London hotels to provide adequate accommodation for Government and Government-sponsored guests from overseas. The capital expenditure from 3rd May, 1948, to 10th February, 1949, was £7,250: the current expenditure from 3rd May to 31st December, 1948, was £50,000; the average cost per guest per night was given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary in reply to the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll) on Thursday last.

Sir J. Mellor

Did the figure given last Thursday refer to the cost of all guests, or was it only for overseas guests?

Sir S. Cripps

I think all the guests are from overseas, except for a few cases where guests have been put up at the request of neighbouring hotels that have been short of accommodation on a particular night.

Mr. Stanley

Has the Chancellor made inquiries to see whether the situation has not changed in the last year, and whether it would not now be quite easy to find accommodation in first-class hotels at less than the £12 a night which this is costing the Government?

Sir S. Cripps

The charge in first-class hotels is not much less. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] If hon. Members will study the charges that are made for a visiting Prime Minister who stays, for instance, at Claridges or somewhere else they will find they are not much less. We have made inquiries, and the general opinion expressed by the hotel-keepers is that 1949 is likely to be a very difficult year for accommodation in London. We are keeping the thing constantly under review, and as soon as the time comes, when we can conveniently get accommodation in ordinary hotels, we shall certainly discontinue this special use.

Mr. Gallacher

May I ask the Chancellor if it would be possible for him or his Department to make out a list of what people get for £12 a night in an hotel?

Mr. E. P. Smith

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether No. 2, Park Street is more or less fully occupied?

Sir S. Cripps

Obviously I could not give figures without notice. If the hon. Member will give me notice, I will try to answer the question.

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