58. Mr. ROY WILSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed to proceed forth-with with the construction of a railway bridge over the River Benue in Nigeria; what is the estimated cost; and whether the construction will be carried out by contract?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREYes, Sir; the alterations which have taken place in the channel of the river have rendered it necessary to proceed as soon as possible with the construction of the bridge. The estimated cost is £960,594 18s. 10d., and the work will be carried out under contract by Messrs. Sir W. Arrol and Company, Limited.
Mr. WILSONIs it not a fact that the placing of this contract with Sir William Arrol and Company is likely to be a great advantage to the iron and steel industry?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREYes; this is a very big steel bridge, and it certainly will mean work for the iron and steel industry of this country.