§ Captain GILMOURasked what reason has led to the use of stone brought from 1167 Northumberland for the building of Redford Barracks, near Edinburgh, in preference to Scottish stone; and whether the cost of the building is increased owing to the carriage of stone from so great a distance?
§ Mr. TENNANTAfter careful inquiries as to the stone used in the more important buildings in the Edinburgh district, it was decided to use Blackpasture stone for the ashlar work as being eminently suitable in weathering qualites and colour for the purpose. For the rubble work the specification provided that either Scottish stone from the Hailes quarries at Slateford or Doddinton Hill stone would be accepted; and as the former were unable to guarantee sufficient quantities of the specified stone for the work the latter was accepted. The cost of the stone was the same in each case.
§ Captain GILMOURCan the hon. Gentleman state whether the cost has been increased by the use of stone from Northumberland, and also whether no suitable stone could be found in Scotland?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, I do not think there has been any increase in the cost.