§ Mr. Monroasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is his policy regarding the employment of local architects in the design and construction of new Government buildings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinMy Department normally employs consultant architects when the work load exceeds the capacity of its design offices. Factors which are44W taken into account in the selection of local consultant architects include their ability, previous experience, size, available capacity and location.
Responsibility for the selection of consultants is being increasingly devolved from London to the Ministry's offices in Scotland. Wales and the regional organisation in England.
§ Mr. Monroasked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many achitects practising in Dumfriesshire were asked to submit plans for the new Ministry of Social Security building in Dumfries.
§ Mr. John SilkinNone. The proposed new building was not of sufficient size of importance to justify an architectural competition. In accordance with my Ministry's policy, a selection was made from architects who have applied to be considered for Ministry commissions. These do not include any architects practising in Dumfriesshire.