§ 37. Mr. Oramasked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many contractors tendered for the permanent housing scheme at Little Aden; to which firm the contract was given; whether its tender was the lowest submitted; and if he is satisfied that £2 million for 314 houses and flats, without any land costs, is the best that could be achieved.
§ Mr. SharplesThe construction of permanent housing at Little Aden has been part of two separate phases of the work there. The tender for Phase I, which included 16 houses, was let to Consolidated Contractors Co. Ltd., a Middle East firm, who were the lowest of six tenderers. Phase II included 298 houses and flats. The contract was let to Humphreys Ltd., a British firm, the lowest of seven tenderers. I am satisfied that the cost was the best that could be achieved.