§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is satisfied that there is a sufficient understanding of the principles of public accountability among members of education and health boards, who are not district councillors, in view of the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor-General about the ease with which original estimates can be revised.
§ Mr. CarterI am satisfied that members of education and library boards and members of health and social services Boards, whether district councillors or not, understand the principles of public accountability.
Estimates proposals of education and library hoards at both initial and revised financial scheme stage are subject to detailed scrutiny by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland.
Health and social services boards discharge the functions delegated to them by the Department of Health and Social Services. In this they are agents under the general direction and control of the Department.