asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision is being made to provide new magistrates' courts within the Greater London area; how many courtrooms this will provide; and what is the time scale for such provision.

Approval has been given to the providing authorities concerned for forward planning on five major magistrates' courthouse replacement schemes in the Greater London area which, when completed should provide between 30–40 new courtrooms, an overall increase of 10–15 courtrooms. One scheme is due to start in 1981–82 and another in 1982–83; each should be completed within about four years. No start dates can be given for the remaining schemes.