A Government Minister has asked for a private bathroom in the new Police/court building to avoid having to share with staff, Deputy Opposition Leader Trevor Moniz claimed yesterday.

Mr. Moniz made the allegation as he criticised Government's plan to house its Ministries in the facility, which he said was supposed to be a purpose built Police station and Magistrates' Court.

He told a press conference he understood a request had been made for the building to be fitted with "suites with private bathrooms so Ministers don't have to share with someone else".

Mr. Moniz told The Royal Gazette he did not know which Minister had made the request.

Works and Engineering Minister Derrick Burgess has previously revealed the new facility will become the headquarters for the Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce, the Ministry of Environment and Sports, the Department of Youth, Sports and Recreation, the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

Mr. Moniz told this newspaper: "Money has always been allocated for a purpose-built Police station and Magistrates' Court. How much space is still being allocated for that? Is it still a purpose built facility?

"The whole point was that it was supposed to be a dedicated facility. I've been hearing a lot of rumbling from behind the scenes. There's a lot of concern about this.

"The Police have been crying for a new station since 1976."

At the House of Assembly on Friday night, Mr. Burgess said on the subject: "It's always been the plan to house Government Ministries there. It's a large building. Nothing is going on. There is no secret about it and there is no change. It's always been the plan to house Government employees, ministries, in that building."