HC Deb 05 June 1980 vol 985 c1652
2. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with accommodation for the magistrates' court in Stockport.

The Minister of State, Home Office, (Mr. Leon Brittan)

Responsibility for magistrates' courts accommodation rests initially with the magistrates' courts committee and the providing authority, Stockport metropolitan district council, which was given approval in 1978 to resume forward planning on a scheme to provide a replacement courthouse.

Mr. Bennett

Will not the Minister agree that, in the end, it is for his Department to give approval for a replacement courthouse? Does not he agree that the present courthouse in Stockport is one of the most squalid in the land?

Mr. Brittan

I agree that the present courthouse in Stockport needs replacing. It is high on the list of projects. It has, unfortunately, not been possible to fix a date for commencement of work, but the fact that approval has been given to resume forward planning indicates that the Home Office shares the view expresed by the hon. Gentleman about the need for its replacement.