Mr. SULLIVANasked the Secretary of State for War, If it is the fact that the contract for the conveyance or haulage to or from the depôts of the War Department at Athlone, Belfast, Curragh, Dublin, and Enniskillen, were renewed for a further period of three years with the then contractor, in August last, being before the expiry of the existing contract, without giving any other carrier an opportunity of tendering?
Mr. GATHORNE HARDYSir, the statement contained in the Question is correct under the following circumstances:—In 1870, on the usual notice being given by public advertizement, only one tender was received, and this from the previous contractors, who were accordingly granted a renewal for three years. In 1873these contractors were again the only persons who sent in a tender, but, as they had raised their rates, an attempt was made by the Control department to conduct the work. This was found not to answer, and, as the contractors in question had reduced some of their rates, they were given the contract for three years from August, 1873. Eighteen months before the expiration of the time they offered to reduce their rates by 5 per cent. provided they were given a fresh contract for three years, and as, after inquiry, it appeared that there was no prospect of other tenders being received, the contract was extended for a further period of three years on the reduced terms offered.