§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many architects in private practice are engaged by the central Government Departments, by area boards and district councils for the 586W purposes of (a) vetting or approving or advising on the plans for projects involving public money, and (b) any purpose connected with the planning Acts.
§ Mr. CarterOnly three architects in private practice are engaged by Northern Ireland central Government Departments—all of them by the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment—for the purposes specified at (a) and (b) in the Question. Details are as follows:
Number (a) for vetting or approving or advising on plans for projects involving public money 2 (b) for purposes connected with the planning Acts 1 Consultant architects are, however, engaged by the Northern Ireland Department of Finance (Works Division) for the design and supervision of public works and buildings. There are currently 48 such commissions—excluding work for the Post Office—involving a total of 29 firms of consultant architects.
In addition, 38 architectural practices, employing an estimated 114 personnel, are currently engaged as consultants upon major and minor capital works for the Northern Ireland Department of Health and Social Services and area boards. Sixteen of these practices are doing major works for the Department and also minor works for the area boards. A further 12 firms are doing major works for the Department and 10 other firms minor works for the area boards.
As to district council, these are matters which are their responsibility.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of Stae for Nothern Ireland whether he is satisfied with present arrangements by central Government for the limitation of progressive fees payable to architects and associated professions where the cost of a project has increased since the acceptance of tenders solely because of inflation.
§ Mr. CarterThe present policy in Northern Ireland is to accept the terms and conditions promulgated by the professional bodies. There is no evidence thatad valorem fee increases due to rising construction costs are out of step with extra costs which the professions have to meet as a result of inflation. The practice of the architects' and surveyors' institutes in laying down scale fees has 587W been referred to the Monopolies Commission. Its report is expected shortly, and its findings will then be considered by the Government.