GOVERNMENT HOTEL IN MAYFAIR IS TO BE CLOSED

Wanganui Chronicle, 1 February 1950, Page 5

GOVERNMENT HOTEL IN MAYFAIR IS TO BE CLOSED

LONDON, Jan. 31 (Recd. 6pm).— The much-discussed Government hotel at No. 2 Park Street, Mayfair, where distinguished overseas official Visitors to London were previously accommodated, is to be closed as soon as smaller and more economic premises can be found. A select committee on the estimates recently recommended that in view of the rapid de-requisitioning of hotels in London and the consequent easing in the accommodation position, the possibility of closing the official Government hotel should be considered at an early date. The Treasury, in a memorandum reporting that the committee’s recommendation will be acted upon, said that No. 2 Park Street was not. and could not be an economic proposition. The building was not suited for the purpose of an hotel and the annual loss in which the establishment might be expected tc involve the Government was between £15,000 and £20,000.

The Treasury considered, however, that the need for an official Government hotel would continue for some time to come. It accordingly had been decided, said the report, that an hotel with a smaller number of bedrooms, and which could be more economically run than No. 2 Park Street should be sought without further jdelay. Until such an establishment is found, the present premises will continued to be used.—Special N.Z.P.A. Correspondent.