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. Earlier, Lord Elis-Thomas called for a free vote in the assembly over whether a new debating chamber should be built. 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. 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. Lord Elis-Thomas said he could not disguise his admiration for Lord Rogers's original plans.