§ 73. Mr. HOGGEasked whether the designs for any new Government buildings in Scotland will be thrown open to competition among Scottish architects; whether, in the case of the proposed Scottish offices to be erected in Edinburgh on the site of the existing Calton Gaol, it is proposed to invite outside competition; whether, seeing the existing- buildings are at present in use as a prison, for which no new site has been acquired, there is ample time for competitive designs to be invited; and whether, if the designs are not to be thrown open for competition, the First Commissioner of Works will at an early date place the model of the pro- 1297 posed buildings in the Tea Room, so that all Scottish Members may see what is contemplated?
§ Mr. W. BENNThe First Commissioner invited the assistance of a small committee of Members of Parliament, who decided against an open competition. The Carton Hill buildings will therefore be designed in the Office of Works. An independent Scottish architect of high standing will also be asked to advise on the matter. The First Commissioner will be happy to give all the Scottish Members an opportunity of inspecting the plans and model before the building is put in hand.
§ Lord BALCARRESDoes that mean that the independent Scottish architect of high standing is going to be allowed to revise the plans which have been prepared, and, otherwise, what are his instructions?
§ Mr. W. BENNHe would be consulted as to the merits of the plan which had been prepared.
§ Lord BALCARRESWould it not be better if he were to prepare plans for himself?
§ Mr. W. BENNI think that is a matter of opinion.
§ Sir G. YOUNGERWhat will happen if he finds no merits in the plans at all?
§ Mr. W. BENNThen presumably the plans would be modified.
§ Mr. A. F. WHYTEBy what process will an independent architect of high standing be chosen, and does that not expressly admit the principle of the question, namely, the desirability of open competition?
§ Mr. W. BENNThat is a matter of opinion. I can give the hon. Member the name of the independent architect if he puts down a question.
§ Mr. A. F. WHYTECan the hon. Gentleman give the reasons which led the Government to adopt the official system rather than the plan of open competition?
§ Mr. W. BENNThis matter was referred to a small Committee and they came to the decision.
§ Mr. A. F. WHYTEWill the hon. Gentleman give the reasons for that decision?
§ Mr. W. BENNI will give a considered answer if the hon. Member puts a question down.