§ MR. CAWLEYasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether the "Amended Contract," directed to be prepared by Board Minute of March 17, 1869, and to be entered into with Mr. Gabrilli for the execution of works at Chatham Dockyard has been signed by the Contractor, and why a Copy of such Contract was not presented to this House on the 2nd August last, along with the Correspondence (Paper 412), in accordance with the promise given by the Junior Lord of 1384 the Admiralty on the 30th June; also, why Copies of the several Contracts made with Messrs. Foord, Messrs. Ball and Co., and with others for various works in connection with the extension of Chatham Dockyard have not been presented to this House as required by the Act 28 and 29 Vic c. 51?
§ MR. BAXTERSir, a copy of the amended draft contract was presented, and forms part of the Correspondence laid on the Table of the House on the 2nd of August last; and though the conditions, specifications, and schedule were signed by the contractor on the 4th of June, 1870, and are alone a sufficient security for us, the continued absence of the contractor in Vienna, where he has extensive works in hand, has delayed our solicitor in obtaining his signature to the formal deed. I understand the contractor has now sent a power of attorney to his agent to sign for him. I may add that no delay or loss has arisen to the service from the non-signature of this deed. With regard to the second part of the Question of the hon. Member, I am advised that the contracts there alluded to, and of which some, if not all, were made by the late Government, were not entered into under the provisions of the Act quoted, and, therefore, it was not requisite by virtue of that Act to present them, they being contracts or agreements made under the ordinary authority of the Admiralty, and giving no special advantages to the contractors. There is, however, no possible objection, should the hon. Member wish it, to lay copies of these documents on the Table of the House. I would further wish to inform the hon. Member that the Return he proposes to move for to-morrow will be given.