§ 84. Mr. J. Fosterasked the Minister of Works whether the Victoria and Metropole Hotels in Northumberland Avenue can be derequisitioned so as to relieve the hotel shortage in the centre of London.
§ Mr. KeyNo, I cannot derequisition the Hotel Victoria as it is required for War Office headquarters staff. My Ministry is at present negotiating its purchase in view of the continuing need for offices in the Whitehall area for headquarters' staffs. The former Metropole Hotel is not requisitioned, but has been held on lease by my Ministry since 1936 when it was converted into offices.