asked the First Commissioner of Works whether a reasonable share of Government building work is being distributed in the northern area of England and local architects are being engaged in carrying out such contracts?

I have been asked to reply. Sites for the building schemes which are being carried out by His Majesty's Office of Works are selected with regard to the requirements of the Departments for whom the buildings are being provided, which precludes distribution on a purely geographical basis. Up to the present, the architectural staff of that Department has, on the whole, been sufficient to deal with the work, although in certain suitable cases local architects have been employed.

The Minister does not appear to have answered my Question.

If the hon. Gentleman will read the answer I think he will see that his Question has been met; in any case, he will see that it is largely a matter of opinion.

We cannot have an answer, then?