HC Deb 14 February 1898 vol 53 cc467-8
COLONEL SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield Central)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty who are the contractors for the Dockyard Harbour, and Harbour Defence Works, and the Commercial Mole at Gibraltar; if he is assured of their ability to complete them within the time stipulated by Parliament in the Naval Works Acts, 1896 and 1897, namely, 1899–1900; and, in the contrary case, if he will make strict inquiry into the causes of the delay, and will cause everything to be done to hasten on the works, and have frequent reports submitted to himself of the progress made?

LORD COMMISSIONER OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, East

Messrs. Topham, Jones, and Railton are the contractors for the extension of the Admiralty Mole, for a length of 1,300 feet, and the Board have complete confidence in their ability to satisfactorily carry out the work entrusted to them. The remainder of the works at Gibraltar are at present being carried out by Departmental labour, but contractors will be invited to tender for them at an early date. The defence of the harbour will, it is expected, be completed in the scheduled time, but some extension of time will be necessary for the completion of the docks and dockyard, owing to the very large additions to the original plans which Parliament has sanctioned. Progress reports on these and other works are regularly submitted to the Board.

COLONEL SIR HOWARD VINCENT

May I ask if the contractors are under a penalty?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I think so, Sir. The contractors have done a great deal of work, and have carried out their contract very well.

MR. W. WOODALL (Hanley)

May I ask whether it was found necessary, for further progress in the construction of the extended Mole, to provide certain cranes, and what is the explanation of the delay in obtaining this indispensable machinery?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot give the hon. Member the date of delivery.

MR. WOODALL

What was the date of the order?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I think I ought to have notice of that question.