HC Deb 13 June 1898 vol 59 cc54-5
MR. NUSSEY (Pontefract)

I beg to ask the vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether the architect to the Education Department is expected to devote the whole of his time to the work of the Department, or whether he is also allowed to take private practice; whether his attention has been called to any cases in which the architect to the Department has been employed by a school board in reference to the preparation of plans for a Board school or Voluntary school which afterwards came before him in his official capacity; and whether the architect has received any remuneration from the school board for the services thus rendered?

THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON EDUCATION (Sir J. GORST,) Cambridge University

The architect to the Education Department, who was appointed in 1884, is a consulting architect only, and is not a Civil Servant. He has been expressly authorised to charge fees for giving professional information or suggestions to school boards and managers, or their architects, as to the best mode of making their plans conform to the rules of the Department.

MR. J. ELLIS

This matter was brought up on the Estimates some years ago. Is it not a fact that it then transpired that this gentleman adjudicates upon tae plans which are referred to him and then receives emoluments for suggesting alterations and preparing the plans?

SIR J. GORST

I said he was expressly authorised to charge fees for giving professional information and suggestions to school boards.

MR. J. ELLIS

Is the right, honourable Gentleman aware that his predecessor the right honourable Baronet the Member for the Dartford Division of Kent gave an undertaking in Committee of Supply that this practice should be discontinued?

SIR J. GORST

I am not aware of that, but I will inquire into it. I always try to make good any pledge I myself give. I cannot be held responsible always for pledges given by others.

MR. J. ELLIS

Is there no continuity in the right honourable Gentleman's Department?

MR. NUSSEY

In consequence of the right honourable Gentleman's answer I shall call attention to the matter on the Estimates.