§ Mr. WATTasked the Secretary of State for War (1), how many schedules for the work at Redford, near Edinburgh, were sent out to Scottish measurers; and how many of these were unutilised and the payments made on application forfeited; and (2), whether he is aware that the schedules for the new barracks at Redford, near Edinburgh, given out to measurers, were arranged according to the English system of measuring, and that this fact made it difficult, if not impossible for Scottish measurers to utilise these schedules; whether he is aware that Scottish measurers complain that all new work for his department in Scotland is arranged in this way; and will he take steps to have in future the Scottish work of his Department given out in the language of the country?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe form of the bills of quantities supplied in connection with the tenders for the erection of Redford Barracks has for many years been in general use for War Department building contracts without question. Quantities were issued to twenty-four Scottish, one Irish, and four English firms, of whom eleven Scottish and two English firms did not eventually tender. The reasons for their not tendering are unknown, except in the case of one Scottish firm, who gave the form of the bills of quantities as a reason. A representation on the subject was received some weeks afterwards from the Edinburgh Building Trade Association, and is under consideration.