HC Deb 08 March 1949 vol 462 cc976-7
42. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the percentage of accommodation which has been utilised since the opening of the premises in Park Street.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

The percentage of hotel accommodation utilised has varied, sometimes rather above and sometimes rather below the figure of 50 per cent. Taking the average over the period, the premises have so far been just under half-occupied.

Mr. Shepherd

Does not the right hon. Gentleman's answer show that the whole project is ill-conceived; and, further, in view of the availability now of hotel accommodation, is the right hon. Gentleman able to give the date on which it is proposed to relinquish these premises?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

My right hon. and learned Friend dealt with this matter a little while back in reply to a question put to him, and made it quite clear that hotel keepers consider that 1949 is going to be a difficult year for accommodation, and that as soon as the situation improves this matter will be looked at again.

Mr. Stanley

Are we to understand that this is being done at the request of hotel keepers?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Nothing that I have said should lead the right hon. Gentleman to think that.

Mr. Stanley

May I apologise to the right hon. Gentleman? I was only trying to attach some meaning to his answer, and that was the only meaning I could attach.