§ Mr. Beithasked the Attorney-General why the Moot hall, Newcastle upon Tyne, is not at present in use for sittings of the Crown court.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Moot hall is owned by the Northumberland county council. Its lease to the Crown has expired and hence the building is not available for Crown court use. The Property Services Agency is currently negotiating with the council for the purchase of the Moot Hall for continued use as a courthouse.
§ Mr. Beithasked the Attorney-General whether he will give further consideration to the suitability of the former Northumberland County hall, Newcastle upon Tyne, for sittings of the Crown court.
§ The Attorney-GeneralStudies undertaken by the Property Services Agency have revealed that it would be disproportionately expensive to develop the County Hall to meet the Crown court requirements.
§ Mr. Beithasked the Attorney-General what plans he has for new accommodation for the Crown court in Newcastle upon Tyne.
§ The Attorney-GeneralPlans are in hand to replace the existing temporary buildings with a new courthouse containing 10 Crown court rooms plus one county court and ancillary accommodation on a central site. This should be completed by the end of the decade.