Courts: Colchester

Bob Russell
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent progress has been made on the private finance initiative project for a new courthouse in Colchester; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle
Work to finalise the outline business case for the Essex magistrates courts scheme, of which Colchester is a part, is being progressed as one of the priorities within the court building programme. This involves the evaluation of procurement routes, including private finance initiative, to ensure the selected route represents best value for money for the taxpayer. The outline business case is due to be completed early in 2008 and submitted for approval to proceed by the end of the financial year.