§ 55. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the criticism usually directed to de signs accepted and plans adopted for public buildings and other undertakings by His Majesty's Office of Works; and whether, in order to give public confidence in the work of that Department and to ensure the best value, taste, and style in all future public works, he is prepared to introduce some method of securing the best possible advice and general approval, either by appointing a representative consultative committee or otherwise?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe First Commissioner is responsible for the designs of all public buildings, the erection of which devolves upon his Department; and he is satisfied that, so far as ordinary buildings are concerned, no useful purpose would be served by the appointment of a consultative committee such as that suggested by the hon. Member. The First Commissioner feels that he can rely with confidence upon the experience of his trained staff. In the case of exceptional 1915 buildings, such as the War Office and the new public offices, it has been the practice to seek the assistance of architects of eminence outside the Department.