§ 94. Sir H. Webbeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether his attention has been drawn to the refusal of the London County Council to allow the Gaumont Cinema in the Haymarket to be replaced by an office block above a cinema; whether he is aware that from 1949 to 1956 the total loss sustained in operating the present cinema was about £100,000; and, since this policy must have the effect of forcing the owners of unprofitable cinemas and theatres, either to continue to operate them at a loss or to leave them derelict to the detriment of the localities concerned, if he will direct that the application be referred to himself before any final decision is taken.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThe applicants appealed to me against the council's decision. I arranged for an inquiry to be held on 28th November and am awaiting my Inspector's report.