HC Deb 31 January 1973 vol 849 cc392-3W
Mr. Robert Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment for what reasons he has found it necessary to set up an inquiry into Government building standards; and what are the terms of reference given to Sir Robert Matthew and Mr. W. P. D. Skillington.

Mr. Channon

My right hon. and learned Friend decided to appoint Sir Robert Matthew and Mr. W. P. D. Skillington to advise him how his responsibilities for high standards of architectural design could best be discharged because their wide ranging nature made it necessary to put in hand a comprehensive inquiry. The areas in which those responsibilities arise and the terms of reference for the inquiry were given by my right hon. and learned Friend in answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesend (Mr. Roger White) on the 7th December 1972.—[Vol. 847, c.515–6.]

Mr. Robert Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether it is intended to publish the eventual report of the inquiry into Government building standards.

Mr. Channon

My right hon. and learned Friend does not intend to publish a report of the inquiry to be conducted by Sir Robert Matthew and Mr. W. P. D. Skillington with the object of advising him about possible means of promoting high standards of architectural design in areas for which he is responsible. When he has had their advice he will announce his decision about the means to be adopted for discharging his responsibilities.