§ Mr. HeddleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has received any representations concerning the definition of the word architect in the context of the Architects (Registration) Act 1931 and the Architects Registration Act 1938.
§ Mr. TrippierThe subject has been discussed informally with my officials by representatives of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
§ Mr. HeddleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will initiate discussions with relevant parties, including the Office of Fair Trading with a view to reviewing the various Acts of Parliament under which architects can practice in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. TrippierMy noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry recently issued a White Paper "Opening Markets: New Policy on Restrictive Trade466W Practices" which proposes new legislation to prevent such practices. The new legislation would extend to professional bodies including those representing architects. My Department will co-operate fully with the Department of Trade and Industry and with the Office of Fair Trading in any review of the architectural profession.