37. Marquess of HARTINGTONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the contract for the 1930 painting of Carlton House Terrace was submitted to any meeting of the Crown Estates Paving Commissioners; why there is no record of such submission in their minutes; and what guarantee they had of the contractors' ability to meet the penalty clauses for unsatisfactory work attached to such contracts?
§ Major ELLIOTThe tenders for the 1930 painting were opened at a meeting of the Crown Estate Paving Commissioners held on 15th July, 1930, and the selected tender was accepted at that meeting, as recorded in the minutes. A satisfactory banker's reference was obtained as to the contractors' financial stability.
Marquess of HARTINGTONIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this firm of contractors is Capttalised at £500 only; and does he consider that this was a satisfactory firm?
§ Major ELLIOTWe got a satisfactory reference before the contract was awarded.
38. Marquess of HARTINGTONasked the Minister of Agriculture why a quantity surveyor was employed for the 1930 exterior painting of Carlton House 518 Terrace; on what grounds this expense was incurred, having regard to the fact that every relevant measurement had been made previously and must have been on record; and whether this charge will be refunded to the tenants who have been compelled to pay it?
§ Major ELLIOTThe quantity surveyor who was responsible for the quantities for previous contracts died in 1929, and as it was found that the data available were not satisfactory the Crown Estate Paving Commissioners considered it prudent to have a fresh bill of quantities prepared for the 1930 painting. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
Marquess of HARTINGTONIn what way has Carlton House Terrace changed Since the last painting in 1930?
§ Major ELLIOTI am simply saying that the data available were not satisfactory.