asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that a considerable financial burden is placed on local authorities because of the fees which have to be paid to architects who prepare plans, etc., for them, and whether he will take steps to appoint architects for such work, who will work directly under the supervision of his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Architects' Fees.
Presumably the Deputy refers to the payment of fees to consultant architects engaged on housing work. I am not aware that such fees impose an undue burden on local authorities. The fees at present payable, amounting to £6 per house in the majority of schemes, are considerably less than those payable for architectural work commissioned by private interests.
With regard to the second part of the question, the appointment of architects is a matter in the first instance for the local authorities who carry out housing schemes, and I have no statutory authority to adopt the course suggested by the Deputy, even if it were desirable.