§ 1. Mr. Stanbrookasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the building of the new police station at Orpington has not yet begun; what are the reasons for the delay; and what is the anticipated date for the beginning of the work.
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Mark Carlisle)This project has been delayed by site difficulties. Agreement has now been reached on the site for the police station, but negotiations are still in progress for additional car parking spaces. Subject to a satisfactory outcome of these negotiations, it is hoped to start building in 1975.
§ Mr. StanbrookWhile it reflects great credit on my constituents, does not my hon. and learned Friend agree that it is also deplorable that a town as important as Orpington should be without a police station? Will he not get in touch with those responsible and tell them to stop mucking about and get on with it?
§ Mr. CarlisleNo one disputes the need for a sub-divisional police station in Orpington. Indeed, it has been accepted by the Home Office for many years. The first approaches about a potential site were made in conjunction with the local authority as long ago as 1958. I should welcome the police station's being built at the earliest possible moment.