News
It is with great sorrow that we heard that Gilbert Powell had died on 4 January 2006 at the age of 78. Gilbert Powell was qualified both as an architect and a quantity surveyor and became a very distinguished construction arbitrator. The Society extends its deepest sympathy to his family.
One of the Societies most distinguished Arbitrator Members has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Leeds Metropolitan University. The President and all members of the Society extend their congratulations to Ray.
The Society welcomes two new Overseas Members: Charles Molineaux, from Virginia USA, and Colin Wall, from Hong Kong.
The DTI has published a consultation document following the Latham Report. It outlines the Government's proposal to improve both the payment provisions and the adjudication provisions of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act. See the Society's original suggestions below. Copies can be obtained by clicking here.
Very recently Sir Michael Latham presented his first report to the Department of Trade and Industry. As might be expected there was not unanimity concerning the payment provisions but all seem to be agreed that 'pay when certified' clauses and their clones should be outlawed. On adjudication he comments that the Graham Watts report of the CIC identifies some problems and deserve a wider discussion. A short consultation period is suggested and it is hoped to get out the consultation document in the 'Autumn'!
Harold Crowter, FRICS FCIArb FHKIArb FFB, was appointed Honorary Secretary of the Society at the Annual General Meeting in succession to Ian Salisbury, MA(Oxon) DiplArch RIBA FCIArb.
An address by John Uff, President, at a joint meeting of the Society and the Society of Construction Law at Kings College London.
John Uff QC, Professor of Construction Law at Kings College, London was elected at the President of the Society for the next three years. Traditionally the Presidents have been drawn from a different profession in rotation - Architect, Engineer, Quantity Surveyor and Lawyer. Starting his professional life as an engineer, he very early in his career decided to become a barrister, and John Uff quickly rose throught the ranks to QC and bencher of Grays Inn. He is a leading arbitrator both at home in the UK and overseas.