§ Mr. William Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the final cost of the Richmond centre; and how this compares with the various estimates made since the scheme was first proposed.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe Richmond project, including the office accommodation, will not be completed until April 1985; the estimated cost is £9.5 million compared with a pre-tender estimate of £11.1 million in November 1980.
§ Mr. William Rossasked. the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what were the total sums or approximate sums spent in Londonderry on items and work needed for the Richmond centre; and in general terms what was the nature of the items and work so purchased.
§ Mr. Chris PattenIt is not possible to estimate the sums spent in Londonderry by the main contractor and the nominated sub-contractors in respect of the Richmond project. However, at least 17 domestic sub-contractors or nominated suppliers in or near to Londonderry city provided goods and services to the value of some £1.2 million; examples are general building materials, metal work, plaster work, painting and roofing.
§ Mr. William Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many firms in Londerry city were invited to submit tenders for items required for the Richmond centre; and how many firms from the city submitted tenders.
§ Mr. Chris PattenIn respect of nominated sub-contractors, the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland invited two Londonderry city contractors to submit tenders. Both did so, but were unsuccessful. In 213W addition, nine nominated suppliers or domestic sub-contractors from Londonderry city supplied goods and services to the main contractor.
§ Mr. William Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what preference was given to firms in Londonderry city for the supply of items needed in the construction of the Richmond centre.
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§ Mr. Chris PattenThe contractual arrangements between the main contractor for the Richmond project and the Department of Environment for Northern Ireland specified that preference should be given to the use of materials and fittings manufactured or originating in Northern Ireland, provided they complied with the contract specification and were readily available at competitive prices.