HC Deb 04 December 1950 vol 482 cc18-9
38. Sir A. Hudson

asked the Minister of Transport how many of the refreshment rooms referred to in paragraph 467 of the Second Annual Report of the Transport Commission are operated by the Hotels Executive; and how many of them are let out to private enterprise.

Mr. Barnes

This information is given on page 318 of the Commission's Report.

Sir A. Hudson

Can the Minister say whether the nationalised refreshment rooms now pay their way?

Mr. Barnes

As the hon. Member knows, I cannot answer on every detail of the accounts of the Transport Commission.

Mr. Keeling

Before it was decided to close some of the refreshment rooms, can the Minister say what efforts were made to find lessees?

Mr. Barnes

That appears to be another question. I was asked a Question about a specific matter, and I said that the information sought was already available on page 318 of the Commission's Report.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Would the right hon. Gentleman pay a visit to the refreshment rooms at East Dereham, where he will find that the Hotels Executive were making a substantial loss and that since the rooms have been handed over to private enterprise they are running very well al a profit?