To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the status is of the Chelmsford magistrates/coroner’s court private finance initiative scheme; when she expects work (a) to commence and (b) to be completed on the building project; and if she will make a statement. (84847)

The Essex magistrates court scheme, of which Chelmsford is part, continues to be within the programme of new court projects. My Department is still finalising investment plans, as part of the development of a Business and Estates Strategy for Her Majesty’s Court Service (HMCS). A further announcement will be made once spending plans have been agreed with Treasury. In March 2006 HMCS purchased a site for the new courthouse in Chelmsford and outline planning approval has been obtained.