Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is the number of models produced by each graphic design unit in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months; and what is the average cost of each;
(2) What purpose do models produced by the graphic design unit serve; to whom are they issued; who is responsible for ordering their construction and distribution; and if any monies are received from the persons or bodies who receive them;
(3) What is the cost of maintaining each graphic design unit of the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland; and what are their duties.
§ Mr. ConcannonThe Northern Ireland Department of the Environment does not have any graphic design units. The Northern Ireland Department of Housing, Local Government and Planning has three units, located at Belfast, Craigavon and Londonderry. Their duties are to design and produce illustrative material for publicity brochures, reports, displays and exhibitions in connection with the work of the Department, especially the town and country planning service, and other Departments. Detailed costs of maintaining equipment and premises could only be provided with a disproportionate use of resources; but the approximate annual salary costs are Belfast £17,000, Craigavon £16,000 and Londonderry £20,000.
During the past 12 months two models have been produced at Belfast, 11 at Craigavon and five at Londonderry. The average cost is estimated at about £200, which covers staff time and materials. These models are used by planning staff to assist in the preparation of development proposals and for visual presentational purposes to inform the public of proposed projects. Except for some models prepared at the request of other Departments, models are ordered by the chief planning officer or divisional planning officers, and are normally retained by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Planning but may be lent to other Departments or district 748W councils. No charge is made for the lending of models.
The Northern Ireland Department of Finance has no graphic design unit but employs a model maker at a cost of £5,350 per annum, including overheads, whose duties include the preparation of models for display. During the past 12 months three architectural models have been constructed at an average cost of £1,160, including all overheads. Construction of these models is arranged by a project manager. Their purpose is similar to that of the models prepared by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Planning.