§ 9. Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about the police building programme in Lancashire.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have received letters from seven hon. Members including one from my hon. Friend the Member for South Ribble (Mr. Atkins) in support of representations made by Lancashire county council about a start date for a new sub-divisional headquarters at Leyland and the number of minor police building projects approved for 1987–88.
§ Mr. AtkinsIs my hon. Friend aware of the delay in the construction of the new Leyland police station to 1989–90 although it was originally planned in 1982? Is he further aware that Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary described the Leyland police station as the worst building in the county and urged something to be done about it at the earliest opportunity? Will he give me an assurance that something will be done to ensure that the police work in proper, modern conditions?
§ Mr. HoggMy hon. Friend is a formidable advocate of his constituents' interests. We accept the need for a new police building at Leyland and we have given the county council approval to plan it. We hope that later this year, all being well, we shall be able to offer a start date for Leyland in 1990–91.