§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is satisfied that the post-war Falklands rehabilitation fund has adequate resources to cover repairs still scheduled for the Brewster homes.
§ Mr. RaisonI am not aware of any repairs required to the Brewster houses as such. The cost of checking and rectification of minor defects is carried out as a matter of routine within the contract.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why shipping costs of Brewster houses to the Falklands exceeded their estimates.
§ Mr. RaisonThe original shipping costs were based on estimates provided by the contractor for the shipment of the housing components. Further costs were incurred for the shipment of plant and equipment, and for demurrage charges.
662W
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what basis James Brewster and Company was chosen as the contractor providing prefabricated houses for the Falkland Islands.
§ Mr. RaisonJames Brewster Associates Ltd. was chosen on the basis of evaluation of competitive tenders invited from 14 companies, of which 11 submitted tenders.
§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now arrange for an inquiry into the Falkland Islands contract awarded to the construction group, known as James Brewster Associates, in view of the recent public revelations about the escalating costs.
§ Mr. RaisonNo.