§ Mr. MANDERasked the First Commissioner of Works what method it is proposed to adopt for the selection of designs foe the new Government buildings in Whitehall and Edinburgh; and whether they will be the subject of open competition in accordance with the usual precedent?
§ Mr. LANSBURYI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given this afternoon to the hon. Member for Paddington, North (Mr. Bracken) and the hon. and gallant Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Sir A. Sinclair).
§ Mr. BRACKENasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he intends to give an opportunity to the architectural profession to compete for the work of designing the proposed new Gov- 1428W ernment offices in Whitehall and upon the Calton site in Edinburgh?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the First Commissioner of Works what steps he proposes to take for the selection of an architect for the new public buildings in Edinburgh; whether representative Scottish societies are being consulted; whether an open competition will be held; and, if so, by whom the designs will be judged?
§ Mr. LANSBURYThe proposals for the erection of Government buildings in Whitehall have not yet reached the stage at which the method of selecting designs can be decided. As regards the proposed buildings in Edinburgh, the design is being prepared under the supervision of the chief architect of my Department. The views that have been expressed by various Scottish societies as to the selection of an architect, have been very fully considered but I do not propose to hold a competition.