§ 36. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what additional cost to public funds will result from the expected fifteen months' delay in the completion of the Clyde tunnels.
§ Mr. MaclayAny addition to the cost to public funds as a result of delays will require to be negotiated in due course by Glasgow Corporation with the contractor in terms of his contract and I am advised that it is impossible to forecast at this stage what the result might be.
§ Mr. RankinDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that the contracting company has a responsibility, because the nature of the soil must have been known had the information been sought? The delay in obtaining the shields was well publicised in the House. Is the right hon. Gentleman saying that the company may escape its obligations?
§ Mr. MaclayNo. My Answer meant that part of the cost may fall to be met by the contractor and another part will be covered by the provision made in the 205 contract for protective measures found necessary during the work. We cannot forecast this at this stage.