§ 41. Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will indicate how the costs are borne between his Department and local authorities when purchasing premises for judges' lodgings in each of the judges' circuits in England and Wales; and whether such property is purchased on the open market, or on district valuation officers' estimates.
§ Mr. EyreUnder the Courts Act 1971, the responsibility placed on local authorities for ensuring that judges' lodgings were available in each assize town was transferred to my Department which has until 31st December 1974 to complete the transfer arrangements. Since 1st January 1972, the cost of purchasing premises for judges' lodgings in England and Wales has been borne on the votes of my Department. Such purchases of property have been and will continue to be made wherever and whenever possible at their open market value as assessed by the district valuer.