10. Mr. Ian Orr-Ewingasked the Minister of Works whether, in view of the dollar-earning importance of hotels and their other services to the community, he will increase from £100 to 726 £500 per annum the amount which can be spent on their repair or improvement without licence, and so put them on the same footing as businesses with a certain floor area, schools and agricultural buildings.
§ Mr. StokesThe maximum free allowance for licensed work, of £500 per annum, applies only to industrial and agricultural buildings. It would not be desirable in present circumstances to give hotels this higher allowance, but essential maintenance and repair up to a reasonable standard will continue to be allowed. As regards improvements, instructions have been given to ensure special attention for hotels catering for foreign visitors.
Mr. Orr-EwingDoes the Minister realise that it is not only a question of those hotels catering for foreign visitors, but those which cater mainly for home visitors? They cannot possibly entertain foreigners unless they maintain their home trade. Will the Minister look into this matter again, as it is now becoming of urgent importance?
§ Mr. StokesYes, Sir. I am always ready to look into anything, but to make a general provision of this kind would bring in all kinds of places, and there would be no assurance whatsoever that they would be used for the important purpose, namely, of bringing in more dollars. Our building resources at the moment are rather limited.