§ MR. WINNasked the Chief Commissioner of Works, Whether he intends to hold the Contractors of the New Post Office Buildings to their engagement in the event of their being unable to fulfil their contract within the specified time, owing to the strike now existing between the builders and their workmen?
§ MR. AYRTON, in reply, said, he had already explained to the House that this contract was to have completed the Post Office by the 31st of December last, and that for various reasons that time had been extended; but no question was at present before the Board for the termination of this contract, in consequence of the suspension of the works. When the buildings were completed the question would necessarily arise whether the work had been unduly delayed with reference to the terms of the contract, under which there was a penalty imposed of a certain sum per week for every delay. When that time arrived it would have to be considered whether or not the penalty should be enforced; and, in arriving at a conclusion, of course all the facts and circumstances would be taken into account.