HC Deb 12 February 1953 vol 511 cc570-1
7. Miss Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as the prices for Coronation week in some London hotels have risen by from 100 per cent. to 150 per cent., he will now introduce legislation to ensure that prices are exhibited outside hotels.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

No, Sir. I do not consider that such legislation is desirable, or that it would serve any useful purpose.

Miss Burton: is

there anything that the right hon. Gentleman is prepared to do? Does he remember that some months ago he said that he was not out of sympathy with the objective I was pursuing? Is he aware that many of the hotels have put up their prices to a large extent, and would not it be a good idea if we knew what those increases were?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I do not think that special legislation, introduced and rushed through the House of Commons now, to compel hotels in London to exhibit the prices to be charged for Coronation week, bearing in mind that they have already let most of the accommodation, would serve any useful purpose.

Mr. Colegate

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind, when considering this matter, the prices charged to visitors in New York and other cities?

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that the prices charged in New York are a matter for the Minister.

Miss Ward

On a point of order. Once again may I ask you, Sir, whether, if we are to discuss hotels run by private enterprise, provision cannot be made for us to discuss hotels which are owned by nationalised industries? Is not it very unfair that one section of the community should be subjected to question and not the other section?

Mr. Speaker

There is nothing in this Question about hotels owned by nationalised industries, so the point does not arise here.

Miss Ward

May I ask a supplementary question?

Mr. Speaker

I have answered the hon. Lady's point of order.