§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why the Property Services Agency has abandoned its plan to buy the County hall, Newcastle; and what alternative premises have been found to meet the need for additional courts in Newcastle.
§ Sir George YoungThe County hall proved incapable of satisfactory adaptation to meet the requirements for new courts; and the alternative of demolishing it and rebuilding on the site presented both planning and financial problems.
Subject to the normal planning consultation and agreement on a suitable price for the site, the Property Services Agency proposes to meet the bulk of the requirement for new courts on a site at the quayside. If satisfactory terms for its purchase can be negotiated, the Moot hall will be retained for court use.