Foreign Office and Commonwealth Relations Office (Architect)

HC Deb 26 November 1963 vol 685 cc42-3W

63. Dr. Mabon

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what arrangements he is making to choose an architect for the new building to replace the one accommodating the Foreign Office and Commonwealth Relations Office.

Mr. Rippon

I intend to appoint the architect whom I consider to be the most suitable for this commission and will make an announcement in due course.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will hold an architects competition for the design of the new building to replace the Foreign Office and Commonwealth Relations Office.

Mr. Rippon

No. I have come to the conclusion that it would not be appropriate to hold a competition for this building. No design could satisfy the purposes which the building is intended to serve unless planned in close consultation with the future occupants. In my view it would be impossible to combine such consultation with the requirements of either an open or a limited competition.