§ Mr. Thorneasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning how much notice is given to the 686W owners when the Government take over private hotels and restaurants at Blackpool and other towns; whether the Government pay for removing the furniture to a warehouse, pay the cost of storage and insurance premiums of the furniture and if proper compensation is paid to the owners or managers; whether he has seen the protest made by the Restaurants and Hotel. Association about the matter; and what action he intends taking in future cases?
§ Mr. HicksNo hotels or restaurants at Blackpool have been requisitioned by the Ministry of Works and Planning for some time past; but it is the practice of the Department to give preliminary warning and to allow as much time as possible to enable guests to find alternative accommodation. Compensation is paid in accordance with the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939; it includes the cost of removing unrequisitioned furniture to store and the cost of storage and fire insurance premiums during storage. I am aware that the Restaurants and Hotel Association has made inquiries about the recent requisitioning of furniture and the Ministry's policy has been explained to the association.