§ 41. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Works how many buildings in London originally built as hotels are occupied by Government Departments; and the total number of rooms involved.
§ Mr. BirchSo far as I can ascertain there are twelve buildings in London formerly used as hotels which are now held wholly or partly by Government Departments. Of these, six are used as hostels or nurses homes. There are about 2,000 rooms.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the summer tourist season this year revealed a very serious shortage of rooms in London hotels—especially in the West End? Would it not be a more rapid and economic solution to this problem if he were to give up some of the buildings which he is occupying, rather than cause delay by building new hotels?
§ Mr. BirchI believe that I should congratulate the hon. Member upon an auspicious family event. Apart from that, practically none of these buildings is on requisition. Many of the buildings 843 have been held for 25 years, and if I gave them up I should have to put up new buildings, which I am not very willing to do at the moment.