§ DR. KENNY (Dublin, College Green)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Board of Works, Ireland, have recently issued specifications for contracts for works in which English cement is specifically mentioned as that to be used in the execution of the said works; and, if this be so, whether he will direct that in future all specifications for contracts for works shall simply state that the cement to be used shall be of first-class quality, as approved by the Board?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. T. HIBBERT,) Oldham1140 (who replied) said: I am informed that it has been the usual, though not invariable practice, of the Board of Works to name in its specifications a particular cement of known quality, and to add the alternative words "or other approved cement of equal quality." Directions were given last month that this form of specification should be used in all cases without exception.
§ DR. KENNYI am aware that the alternative words "or other approved cement of equal quality" were formerly adopted; but is the right hon. Gentleman aware that within the last few days specifications were issued for works in which these words were omitted, and in consequence of that the contractors say they are bound to use nothing but English cement, to the great detriment of that made in Ireland?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTsaid, that he was not aware of it.