§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he is satisfied that the present conditions and facilities at Ilkeston police station are suitable for policing requirements and meet current statutory obligations;
(2) what proposals he has received, and when, from Derbyshire county council, for the modernisation or rebuilding of the Ilkeston police station.
§ Mr. Giles ShawIt is the responsibility of the police authority to provide and maintain the buildings required for police purposes in its area. Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary for the region considers that the authority 703W should improve conditions at Ilkeston police station and I understand that the authority is undertaking interim improvements there so that it can be used as a designated custody station under the provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. I also understand that the authority is considering proposals for the modernisation of the police station, but these have not yet been sent for my right hon. Friend's approval. In December 1981 and in December 1982, in response to a request from the police authority for approval to build a new Ilkeston police station, the authority was offered the opportunity to plan with a view to starting building in, respectively, 1983–84 and 1985–86, but in the event these offers have not been taken up. I shall be glad for officials to discuss the position further with the police authority should they wish to do so.