§ MR. JACKSON (Leeds, N.)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works if he can state what is the cause of the slow progress being made with the new Post Office buildings at Leeds; how many men have, on the average, been employed during the last month on the building; what is the total amount of the certificates given to the contractor for work done since the 1st of April; when he expects the buildings to be completed and ready for occupation; what is the date for completion inserted in the contract; and whether there is any penalty if not completed within the specified time?
§ MR. SHAW LEFEVREThe principal reason why more rapid progress has not been made with the erection of the new Post Office at Leeds has been that difficulty is experienced in obtaining a sufficient number of skilled masons, and some delay has arisen in obtaining the delivery of the steel and iron work. About 117 men have been employed at one time, on an average, during the past mouth. The total amount of certificates to the contractor for work done since the 1st of April is £9,600. The buildings may be expected to be ready for occupation in about 18 months or two years from the present time. The date fixed for the completion in the deed of contract is 8th August, 1894, subject to extension of time under specified conditions as to extra works and weather. Penalties are provided for in case of non-completion by the time allowed.
§ MR. JACKSONArising out of that answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman, will it not be possible to afford additional facilities to the contractor in one of two ways, or in both ways—namely, by exercising the powers which the right hon. Gentleman has got under the Post Office Sites Act for taking the land on the west end of the building, and by obtaining from the Corporation the power to use the land at the east end of the building in order to afford additional facilities to the contractor to get on with this work?
§ MR. SHAW LEFEVREI will make inquiries to see if that is possible. Of course, we are desirous of completing the work in the quickest possible time.