He said it was important for the image of a new Wales to build itself a new assembly. Speaking on BBC Wales's The Point, Lord Rogers warned that a smaller alternative to his design would be more expensive. He said a smaller building would be an expensive way of doing it, it would mean extra cost and would be inefficient in terms of energy use. 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 Elis-Thomas is staging the meeting as part of his role in overseeing the implementation of the new building. He told BBC Wales that it would be his job to look after the building when it was completed. The review of the plans by Mr Morgan had been the prerogative of the incoming first secretary, he said. Lord Elis-Thomas said there was no question that the assembly needed a new home.