HL Deb 25 June 1957 vol 204 cc357-8

6.45 p.m.

LORD RAGLAN

had given notice of his intention to ask Her Majesty's Government whether they can explain the reasons for their sudden change of policy with regard to the proposed new police station and court house at Pontypool; and to move for Papers. The noble Lord said: My Lords, it is not now necessary for me to address your Lordships at any length. The construction of this building was first proposed in 1952. In 1954, we were given to understand that we might proceed with it as soon as the plans had been passed by the Home Office. There followed two and a half years of consultations and alterations, and on May 2 this year we were informed that the Home Secretary had passed the plan. We then assumed that we might get on with the building, but on May 22 we were instructed by the Home Secretary to hold up the building indefinitely. I then put down this Motion on the Order Paper. Within the last few days, however, we have been notified that the Horne Secretary has reconsidered the matter and that we may now proceed to build forthwith. In the circumstances, I do not propose to move my Motion.