§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps his Department is taking to ensure that Britain retains a leading position in the design and construction of innovative building projects. [30467]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe Department is producing, jointly with the Department of National Heritage, new guidelines on architectural competitions which will help to promote high-quality building and design. It also has a research budget which provides funding towards an extensive programme of research into the built environment, including projects carried out on a collaborative basis with the construction industry. This programme covers the design, planning and carrying out of the construction process, as well as the products and materials used in it.