§ 60. Mr. MALONEasked the Minister of Health the present position in regard to the Northampton sewage scheme; on what date tenders were invited and on what date the contract was first accepted which has now been cancelled; what were the reasons for cancellation; and whether, in view of the fact that these schemes would employ many hundreds of 1361 men, he will take steps to ensure that the matter is treated with urgency, so that the work can be put in hand at the earliest possible date?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe scheme has been approved, and loans were sanctioned in respect of it in January and February last. I understand that tenders were invited in November last, that the town council decided, on the 5th January last, to accept the tenders of a firm of contractors for the whole scheme, and that subsequently the firm failed to produce the necessary sureties, and withdrew their tenders. The Council thereupon re-advertised for tenders on the 29th ultimo. I am communicating with the Council, asking them to proceed with the matter as promptly as possible after the receipt of fresh tenders.