§ Mr. JOHN WARDasked the First Commissioner of Works what was the date on which the new public offices, Westminster, were completed by the contractors and occupied; whether the accounts for their construction had been completed; and if there had been any saving on the original estimate?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Harcourt)The date of completion was 30th July, 1908, and occupation followed immediately. The accounts have been completed, but it is impossible to make any statement at present as to any saving as there is a claim by the contractors for a large sum of money which must be decided by arbitration.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDHas an arbitration already been decided upon, and can the right hon. Gentleman indicate the probable time when a decision will be arrived at?
§ Mr. HARCOURTI would rather have notice of that question. I may say that an arbitration has been decided upon.