I refer to the article Piano Had No Written Brief (July 30). In particular, reference is made to the comment made by the unnamed spokesman of the Ministry for Investment (presumably the Ministry for Infrastructure, Communication and Technology which ministry is the one responsible for the project), wherein he/she stated that "if we do not allow ourselves to be persuaded by people of the calibre, experience and reputation of Renzo Piano there is really no use in engaging such an artist for this project and instead commission in-house architects that we employ to draw up the designs of a pavement or a beach-side promenade."

The Kamra tal-Periti acknowledges that Piano is an architect of foremost international standing and the Kamra has already encouraged a better appraisal and appreciation of his proposals. However, the Kamra takes great exception to comments such as those expressed by the ministry spokesman. They not only demean those architects in government employment but also cast a bad light on the whole of the profession. Maltese-warranted architects are capable of the highest levels of quality in design and service, and should certainly not be regarded as menial operatives capable only of designing "pavements or beach-side promenades".

The Kamra tal-Periti, primarily on behalf of all current and past periti serving in government employment and secondly on behalf of all the profession, requests a formal apology from the ministry in this regard. The Kamra also requests the principal permanent secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister to condemn such remarks and behaviour by ministry spokesmen.