Courts Act 1971

28 Provision of accommodation

(1) The Secretary of State for the Environment may with the approval of the Treasury provide, equip, maintain and manage such courts, offices, buildings, judges' lodgings and other accommodation as may be necessary or desirable for carrying on the business of the Supreme Court and county courts.

(2) It is hereby declared that the expression " land necessary for the public service " in—

(a) section 2 of the [1852 c. 28.] Commissioners of Works Act 1852 (acquisition by agreement), and

(b) section 29(1) of the [1968 c. 72.] Town and Country Planning Act 1968 (power of the said Secretary of State to acquire compulsorily land necessary for the public service),

includes any land which is required to discharge the duties of the said Secretary of State under this section.

(3) The Secretary of State for the Environment may, if he thinks fit, in discharging his duties under this section enter into arrangements with a local or other public authority for the provision of accommodation to be used in part for the purposes set out in this section, and in part for other purposes, including in particular the sittings of a magistrates' court.

(4) Schedule 3 to this Act shall have effect as respects premises formerly used for business of the abolished courts, and judges' lodgings.