§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which architects have been appointed to hold inquiries under the Education and Library (Northern Ireland) Order 1972; how often such architects have been so employed and at what fees; and whether it is advisable to appoint architects in practice for such inquiries when on other occasions they may appear at an inquiry for a client affected by such an inquiry.
§ Mr. CarterI assume that the hon. Member is referring to local inquiries in connection with compulsory vesting orders under Article 95 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1972.
There have been two appointments of architects to hold such inquiries. The persons appointed were Mr. C. P. Savage, ARIBA, AMPTI, and Mr. H. A. Patton. FRIBA, FRTPI, each of whom acted once. The fees paid to Mr. Savage were at the rate of £50 per day plus £6 per hour in connection with site visiting and report writing plus expenses. Mr. Patton, who conducted an inquiry on 9th December 1977, will receive £54 plus a supplement which will vary according to the duration of the inquiry, plus expenses. The persons appointed to hold these inquiries have been professional persons with planning qualifications. I am satisfied that their professional integrity ensures that each case is examined on its merits and without bias.