asked the First Commissioner of Works if the designs of the proposed new Government offices in Whitehall will be put to open competition or confined to architects of the Office of Works?

While it has been decided that the design for the proposed Government offices in Whitehall will be entrusted to an architect in private practice, the precise method of selection has not yet been settled.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in accepting the design, he will insist upon British material only being used?

I think the hon. Member had better wait and see.