HC Deb 11 May 1983 vol 42 cc341-2W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when proposals for a court complex at Woolwich dockyard were first made, what arrangements were made with the London borough of Greenwich about the ownership of the site; whether the complex is still likely to be built; and when construction is expected to start.

Sir George Young

Proposals for a court complex at Woolwich dockyard were first made on behalf of the Property Services Agency to the London borough of Greenwich in September 1982. No arrangements were made by the agency about the ownership of the site at Church street, which had already been leased by the borough to the receiver for the Metropolitan police. However, the receiver was prepared to recommend the borough council to grant a sub-lease to the Property Services Agency for the use of the site for Crown courts. In October 1982 the borough council deferred consideration of the application to build courts on the Church street site. In the light of that deferment, the requirement of the Lord Chancellor's Department for temporary courts in this area was reviewed, and it has now been decided not to proceed with the project.