§ Sir G. Foxasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware of the adverse effect on the tourist industry of this country of retaining more than 1,000 hotels under requisition after April next; whether he will consult with those responsible for developing the tourist industry with regard to the freeing of these hotels; and by what date he anticipates that it will be possible to release all of them.
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe importance of releasing hotels in the interests of the tourist industry as well as of the public generally is fully recognised. My Department is in continuous touch with those concerned with the industry and will continue to consult them where necessary. It is anticipated that by the end of April next a total of 3,083 hotels will have been released, or about 75 per cent. of all hotels held on requisition by Government Departments 211W in January, 1945. Releases 0f the remaining hotels will continue but it is not possible to forecast the date by which they will all have been surrendered