§ Mr. MillerTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to allow private sector funding for the development of magistrates courts.
Mr. John M. TaylorAccommodation for magistrates courts is the responsibility of local authorities albeit substantially funded by central Government grants. The decision whether to use private sector funding is therefore primarily a matter for individual local authorities. My Department is, however, keen to support the private finance initiative, and for PH solutions to be followed where practicable.