Some of the main events covered are the United Unionist Action Council (UUAC) strike, proposed scrapping of the 11+, the introduction of comprehensive education and local government reform.
The Central Secretariat files for 1977 include a series on an economic and industrial strategy for Northern Ireland, highlighting the importance that Roy Mason, Secretary of State, attached to the economic situation.
Other topics covered in the files being released include: the security situation, policing, prisons, political developments, North/South relations, and housing.
Files from the civil representatives who were appointed to liaise between the army, government and local communities, are also among the papers being made available. These include reports on ‘paramilitary community development’ and reports of security incidents, intimidation and violence across Northern Ireland.
The files are being released under the rules governing access to such records and all papers have been reviewed in accordance with Freedom of Information and Data Protection legislation.
The files will be available to the public from 28 December 2008. Daily from 9.00am to 4.45pm and Thursday from 10.00am - 8.45pm at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, 66 Balmoral Avenue, Belfast, BT9 6NY.
Notes to Editors:
- Media representatives will be given an opportunity to examine the files in advance of their release to the public on the strict understanding that there is an embargo on publication or broadcast until 00.01 on Friday 28 December 2007.
- The press preview of the above files will run from 4 to 6 December 2007. Interested media are invited to a briefing with the director of PRONI, Gerry Slater at 9.30am on Tuesday 4 December 2007.
- All media enquiries to DCAL Press Office on 028 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
