§ Mr. GregoryTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if British Rail has any plans to sell its remaining hotel interests; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanBritish Rail still owns the freeholds of 11 hotels. Nine, all at stations, are leased to the private sector on 125-year leases. British Rail considers it essential to retain the freeholds in case it becomes necessary to carry out work on the stations. The other two hotels are the Great Northern at King's Cross and the Great Eastern at Liverpool Street both in London. Management of both these hotels is contracted to the private sector. British Rail's plans for the passenger concourse at King's Cross would require the demolition of the Great Northern hotel. British Rail does not consider it opportune to dispose of the Great Eastern hotel at present, but will be looking carefully at the possibility of doing so as development work is completed at Liverpool Street station and on the Broadgate site.