§ Mr. Stanbrookasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why he refused the Institution of Heating and 294W Ventilating Engineers consent to change its name to the Institution of Building Services Engineers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir G. HoweThe institution's request to the Registrar of Companies to change its name was rejected in April 1971 after careful consideration. This was because there were a number of other institutions registered as companies concerned with building services. The proposed title was considered to be too wide ranging having regard to the Institution of Heating and Ventilating Engineers' activities at that time.
§ Mr. Stanbrookasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he supports the application of the Institution of Heating and Ventilating Engineers for a Royal charter; and if not, why not.
§ Sir G. HoweThe need for a strong building services organisation is recognised by the Government. I am aware, too, of the concern that this institution, in company with other engineering institutions which are not constituent members of the CEI, has about exclusion of its members from the chartered engineer register. Urgent discussions are now in train to resolve these difficult problems and all possible means of resolution are being considered. The granting of a Royal charter is one possibility but by no means the only one.