28. Mr. Boydonasked the Minister of Health how the cost of employing private architects for hospital building compares with the cost of similar work performed by the architectural staffs of the regional hospital boards.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithPrecise assessment is not possible, but there is normally a small saving on the cost of the project when the work is done by architects on the staff of regional hospital boards.
§ Mr. BoydenIn view of the projected larger programme of hospital building, will the Minister take steps to see that the pay and conditions of architects of regional hospital boards are brought closer to those of architects in private practice, and also consult his colleagues in other Departments to see that there is an adequate supply of architects available for training for both short-term and long-term appointments?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithA joint review of salaries of architects of regional hospital boards was undertaken in January 1959 on the agreement of both sides of the Whitley Council. There have been proposals and counter-proposals in regard to the remuneration of architects, and I understand that an arbitration is now pending.