HC Deb 27 November 1952 vol 508 cc80-1W
91. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the Crown Court at Bristol was destroyed 10 years ago and that the assizes are held in the council chamber, which is not always available; and whether he will take steps to provide adequate accommodation for the assize courts at an early date.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I am aware that the Crown Court at Bristol was destroyed during the war. I understand that the city council chamber is now used for the trial of civil actions and that it seldom happens that it is not available for this purpose. It would be for the local authority to provide a new assize court, but the restrictions on capital investment would make it impossible for me to sanction the building of a new court at present.