Proposed Expenditure at Rosyth.

HC Deb 27 July 1905 vol 150 cc592-3

MR. AINSWORTH (Argyllshire)

I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what are the items of the £49,320 proposed to be expended at Rosyth during the years 1905–6 and 1906–7; why this expenditure is required before the final contract for the works is decided upon; and in what respect it differs from the expenditure intended to be hereafter placed upon the Estimates.

^* THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. ARTHUR LEE,) Hampshire, Fareham

The expenditure which it is anticipated will be incurred on this item during the period 1905–7, covered by the Naval Works Bill, 1905, is on account of the following services:—(a) Making connection with North British Railway Company's system; (b) Diversion of roads, (c) Miscellaneous preliminary works and contingencies. It is necessary that these services should be carried out before the final contract for works is let, as the Admiralty, being in a position to offer contractors the facilities which these services afford, will be able to make a more advantageous contract. In reply to the last part of the hon. Member's Question, this expenditure is of a general and preliminary character such as was contemplated when the Naval Works Act of 1903 was framed, and for which a "token" sum of £200,000 was authorised therein. The expenditure intended to be hereafter placed upon the Estimates is for the prosecution of the main contract.

MR. AINSWORTH

asked for the exact figures of the expenditure on water supply, railway communication, etc.?

^* MR. ARTHUR LEE

The hon. Member had better put another Question down.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Is this £49,000 included in the £200,000?

^* MR. ARTHUR LEE

Yes, Sir.