§ 7. Mr. HOGGEasked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what were the reasons which induced him to decide that the designs for the new Government buildings on the site of the Calton Gaol should be carried out in the Office of the Board of Works; and whether, in view of the national character of those buildings, he will reconsider his decision?
§ Mr. W. BENNThe Committee having examined the designs and models prepared in the Office of Works, Edinburgh, considered an open competition unnecessary.
§ Mr. HOGGEDoes the hon. Gentleman not remember that he invited this question and offered to give the reasons if the question were put down?
Mr. W.BENNThe reasons which actuated the Committee were that they accepted the designs which they considered the best possible for the site.
§ Mr. GOLDSMITHIs the hon. Gentleman aware that for the last six years designs of all public buildings have been carried out in the Office of Works, and if he can state why designs for important public buildings are no longer put out to open competition?
§ Mr. W. BENNEach case is considered on its merits, and that was done in this case.