Robert Key MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

Dear Robert,

Salisbury Courts of Justice

Thank you for your letter of 6 September. I am grateful for your ongoing support for this important project.

I can confirm that the Department remains committed to delivering this scheme which has the endorsement of the National Property Board. The physical limitations of the existing buildings are well documented. The new Justice Centre will provide a building which serves the needs of the new HM Courts Service.

In answer to your questions, the draft "Green Book" is currently being considered in the customary way, and the Government will respond in due course.

In the meantime, design layouts have progressed to the Outline Scheme Design stage. The internal layout is well developed and users have been consulted. The design at this point is still at an early stage and will require further work prior to submission to the Planning Authority. CASE has advised on eievationai treatment, i can confirm officials will shortly be initiating consultant work on the next stage of the design process where their constructive comments will be incorporated.

The intention remains to deliver the new Salisbury courts during the course of 2007.