§ MR. WHITMOREI beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he can give the names of the architects who have been selected to design the new Government offices, and can state what, if any, conditions have been prescribed to them with regard to the style and general character of their designs?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine'sThe conditions are now being settled, but the architects who have been selected to prepare designs will be desired to follow in the internal arrangement of the new buildings general lines to be laid down by the Office of Works. The elevations will be of classical character in design to accord with those already erected in Whitehall, and it is stipulated that the new offices shall be externally constructed entirely of Portland stone.
§ DR. FARQUHARSONMay I ask whether the architects have been chosen by limited competition, and whether the designs will be open to the inspection of the House before being finally adopted?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKSI have already answered the former Question once or twice. The architects will prepare plans for the 297 approval of the Government, and before the plans are finally adopted they will be open to inspection by the House.
§ DR. FARQUHARSONOn whose recommendation did the Government act in the appointment of the architects?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKSThe Government have acted on their own responsibility, and have received great assistance from the council of the Institute of British Architects.