§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for the deregulation of the registration of architects.
§ Sir George YoungNone at present. The Government have given further consideration to the future of the Architects (Registration) Acts. They still believe that the best long-term solution for architects would be for the chartered institutions and others to develop and improve the system of self-regulation of the profession. This would serve to educate the consumer in what the architect has to offer, so that the need for statutory protection of title would diminish.
The Government understand the strength of feeling against the removal of statutory protection of title shown by consumer organisations, colleagues and many within the profession. The Government have therefore decided, on balance, not to proceed with the repeal of the Architects (Registration) Acts, but to examine, in consultation with the profession and other bodies, measures which could be taken to simplify the present arrangements.
In the meantime, the Government look to the Royal Institute of British Architects and the other professional bodies to address the standing of the profession including the relevant recommendations of the Warne report.