St. Andrew's Hotel.— I stated in my reply to the hon. Member on 3rd June that this hotel had already been vacated. This was the fact, but, owing to difficulties of storage accommodation, the 689th Home Service Employment Company did not remove their equipment at once. The engineer fittings were sold to the owner on 11th June, and the premises were ready to hand over on 18th June. I understand that the building has been taken over by the Green Cross (Women's Reserve Ambulance) and will no longer be used as a hotel.
Russell Court Hotel.— Negotiations are in progress with the owners for the purchase of the Royal Engineer fittings which are still in the building. Some delay was caused by the owners not making an appointment to go to the premises and discuss the proposed purchase. The building is naturally kept locked while the fittings are there.