§ Sir Sydney ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress he has made in his plans for an inter-departmental strategy to ensure good quality design in public buildings. [24571]
§ Mr. FisherDepartments are responsible for their own building programmes and will recognise that good design brings hard economic benefits in better use of space and in low energy and maintenance costs. Well-designed buildings contribute to the public realm and improve the quality of our lives. The main commissioning bodies meet in the Government Construction Clients Panel to share their experience on all aspects of becoming better clients. My colleagues have agreed that this and other review bodies must take account of design quality as a factor in achieving value for money.