I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together.
I am aware that a contract for the second stage of the Connaught Regional Airport was signed by the Connaught Airport Development Co. Ltd. on 27 August 1982. This contract is in respect of the construction of the runway, taxiway and apron together with associated works. Normal tendering procedures were followed in relation to the contract.
Advertisements in respect of the contract were placed by the company in the four national daily newspapers on 26 April 1982 inviting interested contractors, who could show proven capacity to execute the work, to apply for pre-qualifying documentation. Tender documents were issued to those firms who, in the opinion of the company's consultating engineers, had demonstrated that they had the capacity to do the work. On 9 August 1982, the board of the company, having examined the tenders, decided to accept the lowest tender and sought my approval to the placing of the contract. On 12 August 1982 I approved the placing of the contract.
A sum of £2.7 million has been allocated for the Connaught Regional Airport in the 1983 Estimates and this will cover expenditure by the company on the contract in question.
22.