401
3.
For these reasons I did not (in my statement) examine the Estimate in detail, and while admitting that the figures had proved unreliable, I pointed out that "the mere fact of inaccuracy in Estimates does not mean a reflection on British Engineering Skill", and I went on to give reasons which rendered the preparation of accurate estimates very difficult in this case. As regards the cracked Bridges, I justified my action (previously announced to Council in reply to a question) in having appointed a Committee to investigate the matter, and stated in general terms that Mr. Barry had concurred with them in adversely criticising the principles on which one or more of the Bridges had been constructed. The matter was a highly technical one and was now in the hands of the Consulting Engineers. I then went on to report to the Council that very satisfactory progress had been made during the past year.
4.
In order to explain more fully than it was necessary to do in my speech, my reason for saying that the three Estimates of June, 1907, February, 1908, and March, 1909, shewed much variation under the various headings, and that the Estimates submitted to Government last year had not proved reliable in detail, I attach