Speaker considers building vote

Lord Rogers's plans could be the choice of AMs

The Welsh National Assembly's Presiding Officer, Dafydd Elis-Thomas, is considering using his vote during next Wednesday's debate on the new assembly chamber.

Lord Elis-Thomas, speaking on BBC Wales's political programme Maniffesto, said he would discuss whether the deputy presiding officer, Labour AM Jane Davidson, should chair the debate.

What attracted me most to Lord Rogers design was a new democratic space in a magnificent setting

Lord Elis-Thomas, presiding officer

He explained there was a school of thought that his strong views in favour of the new building, designed by Richard Rogers, could compromise the impression of impartiality.

The presiding officer - who has a role in overseeing the implementation of the building - will meet with Ms Davidson to discuss the issue.

Earlier, Lord Elis-Thomas called for a free vote in the assembly over whether a new debating chamber should be built.

Lord Elis-Thomas: Admires Lord Rogers's plans

His statement followed a meeting with Lord Rogers and Lord Elis-Thomas said he felt enough time had passed for a decision to be made.

The £23m design has been on hold since March when First Secretary Rhodri Morgan decided he needed more time to examine the project's costs.

Since then he has come under fire for stalling the plans. Critics claim the delay is detrimental to the image of Wales.

Lord Elis-Thomas's meeting came a day after the former Prime Minister Lord Callaghan gave his backing for the chamber.

First Secretary Rhodri Morgan: Delayed decision

Lord Callaghan said the planned building must go ahead if Cardiff wanted to be seen as a European city.

He said the planned new building would be a 'small jewel in the heart of the waterfront'.

Former Welsh Secretary Ron Davies said he had looked at the report due to be discussed this week and said there was nothing in it which made him drop his support for the original Rogers design.

"I have no doubt that the design will be built and that people all over Wales will be proud of what we have achieved," said Mr Davies.

Lord Elis-Thomas said he could not disguise his admiration for Lord Rogers's original plans.

"What attracted me most to Lord Rogers design was a new democratic space in a magnificent setting."

'Office block'

Lord Rogers expressed his frustration with the delays and said a compromise option was not really viable.

He said it was important for the image of a new Wales to build itself a new assembly and he warned that a smaller alternative to his design would be more expensive.

It would mean extra cost and would be inefficient in terms of energy use.

He added: "You'd have all the problems of the functions of an old building designed as an office block with a plug-on piece which is the Assembly hall."