HC Deb 18 January 1982 vol 16 cc7-8W
Mr. Shersby

asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) why the school hostel at Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, is not yet in a suitable condition for occupation, namely, practically complete in accordance with the specifications laid down in the contract; and when he now expects completion and occupation to take place;

(2) if revised calculations on the inner skin of the corridor roof of the school hostel at Port Stanley, Falkland Islands have yet been completed; and if the Crown Agents are now satisfied with the structural soundness of the building;

(3) if he will arrange for the Overseas Development Administration to provide adequate resources to the Falkland Islands Government to finish work on the school hostel at Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, without delay, leaving the Government to negotiate with Coalite on outstanding contractural matters so that the hostel can be in use by February.

Mr. Neil Marten

The calculations in respect of the main components of the school hostel have been completed and indicate that some strengthening of the building is likely to be necessary. An engineer from my Department will be going in January to the Falkland Islands and decisions will be taken in the light of his report. I cannot say at this stage when the hostel will be in use but it is unlikely to be by February. It is my intention to ensure that the hostel will be completed as soon as possible and that work will not be held up pending settlement of contractual matters. Until I have my engineer's report I cannot say what further work is required nor to what extent it is capable of being done by the Falkland Islands Government and I am not therefore in a position to consider whether any resources should be provided to the Falkland Islands Government for this purpose.

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