Vol. 431 No. 1
28 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment his views on whether professionals, such as architects and planners, concerned with design of the built environment should have a compulsory module in their training dealing with urban design and related sociological factors; if he will discuss the matter with the relevant authorities and/or bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
This was one of the recommendations of the Second Commission on the Status of Women which I am having examined in my Department. The whole question of urban design is one in which I have considerable interest. For many reasons, we need to give more attention to the creation of physical conditions in our cities and towns which will lead to a more user-friendly environment for people including families, who live in, or visit urban areas. If it emerges that there is a need for training of a kind which is not being provided for architects and planners at present, I will raise the matter with the authorities concerned with the education and training of the professionals concerned.
