HC Deb 30 November 2001 vol 375 cc1187-8W
Gareth Thomas

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what plans he has to improve court buildings in Wales. [18867]

Mr. Wills

The Lord Chancellor's Department is exploring a number of opportunities to improve facilities within Wales. To provide new and refurbished courts, we are examining both Private Finance Initiatives (PH), as well as evaluating the potential for shared or joint ventures.

The Gwent PFI project is already well advanced, covering the Newport, Blackwood and Caerphilly areas, and subject to the inclusion of additional magistrates courts or Court Service properties, the new or refurbished courts are planned to become operational during 2005.

We are also exploring the prospect of joining an existing police PFI project in North Wales. Negotiations are still at an early stage but it is intended that the project should incorporate existing properties in Bangor and Caernarfon.

In addition, the Lord Chancellor's Department continues to fund a significant programme of maintenance and refurbishment work, via both the Court Service and local authorities, on the existing estate.