§ DR. COOPER (Southwark, Bermondsey)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who is responsible for selecting the site upon which the Southwark police court, Tooley Street, is erected; whether any inquiry was made to secure a site in a more central and convenient position; whether the land is held on lease or whether the freehold has been purchased, and, if so, the cost; and whether he can state the total cost of the structure, and whether 162 it is finished or whether any further expenditure is contemplated.
§ MR. GLADSTONEThe Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District is primarily responsible for selecting sites for police courts, but the approval of the Chief Magistrate, the Commissioner of Police, and the Secretary of State is required before a site is finally decided on. No site of sufficient area in a more suitable position was available. The land was freehold subject only to a perpetual charge of £24 19s. 8d. in lieu of land tax redeemed. The site cost £8,161, and the total cost of building was £28,027. No further expenditure is contemplated.