§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made on measures to simplify present arrangements for the registration of architects as set out in the Architects (Registration) Acts.
§ Sir George YoungSince October the Government have been working with the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Architects Registration Council to agree on suitable and acceptable measures to streamline the Architects Registration Council. We have now arrived at a package of reforms aimed at making the council more focused and efficient. My Department has today issued a consultation paper on the proposed reforms. Copies are available in Library.
The main proposal is to replace the existing council of 73 members with a small board of 15 members. The new board would represent both lay and professional interests and would concentrate on the key activities of setting criteria for registration; preventing misrepresentation by non-registered architects; disciplining unprofessional conduct; and setting fee levels.
The consultation will be completed in mid-September. We hope that appropriate legislation can be drafted thereafter.