HC Deb 12 June 1980 vol 986 cc282-3W
Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will expedite the start on the building of the new magistrates' court for Willesden, in view of the overcrowded and out of date conditions that exist at the present Willesden magistrates' court, which are causing serious problems for magistrates, the public, the police, administration and all those who come into contact with the court;

(2) when he expects the new magisstrates' court in Willesden to start being built; and what is the expected date of completion.

Mr. Brittan

The building of the new Brent magistrates' courthouse, which will replace the existing Willesden courthouse, will start in the next financial year, 1981–82, and is expected to be completed in 1984–85. The inadequacies of the existing facilities at Willesden are recognised, but the practicalities of planning a building scheme of the scale of this new courthouse preclude an earlier start. Every effort is being, and will continue to be, made to adhere to the existing timetable.