HC Deb 09 March 1978 vol 945 cc1596-7
11. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied with the make-up and working of the area boards.

Mr. Mason

Yes, Sir, though I should prefer to see them answerable to a locally elected Administration established on a basis acceptable to both parts of the community. This could be achieved within the framework which I have put to the parties in Northern Ireland.

Mr. McNair-Wilson

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the area boards provide the ideal administrative structure for such a development? May I suggest that it is high time we had a more democratic representation?

Mr. Mason

I suppose that the hon. Gentleman is aware that Sir Patrick Macrory was responsible for the establishment of the boards. They have been going for only about four years. They are representative of varying interests and are not democratically representative of local authorities. Generally speaking, the make-up of a board is 30 per cent. nominated by the district councils, 30 per cent. representing professional interests and 40 per cent. representing other interests, such as trade unions, universities and industry. Therefore, it can be seen that on the whole they are representing interests. They are keen to do the job, and so far we have not found maladministration.

Mr. Bradford

Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the members of the area education boards are not agents of the Department of Education? Will he also confirm that they are free to make an independent assessment of the proposed changes in the education system? If the area boards decide to scrap that system, will he accept their decision?

Mr. Mason

The area boards have been involved in the discussions on the evolution of education in Northern Ireland, but they are agents of the Department of Health and Social Security. They do not raise money by themselves. It must be afforded by the ratepayers.