§ MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether a contract has been made for the building of military barracks in Kilkenny; what is the amount of the contract, and who is the contractor; whether the contract was advertised in the local Press; and, if not, why were local contractors not given the opportunity of tendering; was the contract advertised for tenders; and, if so, where; when will the work begin; and whether the fair wage clause is in the contract?
§ MR. BRODRICKAssuming that the contract referred to is that for the erection of a block of married soldiers' quarters at Kilkenny, the name of the contractor is Mr. T. A. Walsh, of Kilmallock. The contract was not advertised, as, in accordance with custom, 343 selected contractors competent to execute the work were asked to tender. The work will be commenced forthwith. The fair wage clause is in the contract. The amount of the contract is confidential, and cannot be stated.
§ MR. O'BRIENHow did the authorities come to the conclusion that there was no contractor in Kilkenny who could carry out the work satisfactorily? Why were not local builders asked to tender?
§ MR. BRODRICKOur information was that there was no local man who could undertake so large a contract.