HC Deb 20 April 1964 vol 693 cc858-9
24. Sir R. Thompson

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works when he will announce his decision on the proposal of Croydon Borough Council to enter into a joint scheme with his Department for the provision of a combined courts building in Croydon.

Mr. Rippon

I cannot say at this stage when I shall be able to announce my decision. Discussions are proceeding but there are several matters on which we have not yet been able to reach agreement with the Council.

Sir R. Thompson

Will my right hon. Friend reflect that a solution which results in a combined court building for Croydon will be very much in his interests, that it will lead to economies in the long run and that it is necessary that he should move quickly in this matter in view of the urgent need that exists for this building and the fact that the Council has a first-class site available?

Mr. Rippon

I agree with my hon. Friend. It is a good solution, provided the terms are satisfactory. Representatives of my Ministry and the Home Office are having a further meeting with representatives of the Council this week.

Sir R. Thompson

Will my right hon. Friend reflect that the other two Departments mainly concerned, the Home Office and the Lord Chancellor's Department, are thoroughly in favour of this plan and are pressing hard for its implementation? Will he take that into account?

Mr. Rippon

We are all in favour of the principle, but we are not agreed on the terms.