HC Deb 28 January 2002 vol 379 cc88-9W
Bob Russell

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the new courthouse at Colchester will be opened. [29741]

Mr. Wills

It is anticipated that the new courthouse will be opened in Colchester during 2005.

Bob Russell

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement about the upgrading of cells at Colchester magistrates court; what the cost involved is; and when he expects the work to be completed. [29740]

Mr. Wills

In the financial year 2001–02, £60,192 has been allocated to the Magistrates Courts Committee and local authority to address health and safety issues in Colchester magistrates court by removing all ligature points in the cells. This is not essentially an upgrade of the cell accommodation, but necessary work to ensure that defendants are unable to harm themselves or others. This work is expected to be completed in 2002–03, at a total cost of £63,715. The new courthouse in Colchester planned for 2005, to be constructed under the private finance initiative, should address any concerns raised over the quality of the custody accommodation.