§ 5. Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received about the decision to fund the A55 road building programme across Anglesey through the private finance initiative and to delay the commencement until the autumn of 1998. [282]
§ Mr. HagueSince the decision to progress the scheme under the private finance initiative was announced on 10 July 1996, 26 representations have been received.
§ Mr. JonesIs the Minister aware of the great concern on the island about the decision to progress the scheme under PFI and to delay the commencement of the road building programme until autumn 1998—a delay of about 18 months? Is he also aware that that means that the people of Anglesey have to ask the Secretary of State another question. He says that he is seeking private finance, but how much confidence can that inspire, given that public money had already been allocated for the scheme? He told us that he had seen contractors about a possible initiative. How many of those contractors expressed an interest? Does he expect the people of Anglesey to put up with two more long summers of delays on the road? Can he do anything to bring the start date forward?
§ Mr. HagueI expect strong interest from the industry in this major construction project; it is too early to say precisely how much, because it has not yet been advertised. The most important point is not the start date but the completion date. As the hon. Gentleman will know, because he has been advised of it already, the completion date for the whole scheme right across the island, under design, build, finance and operate will be approximately the same as it would have been under the more conventional financing route.
I share the determination of people on the island to ensure that the road is built and improved, as almost everyone agrees that it should be. We have a way to do 899 that while making more resources available faster and transferring the risk to the private sector, and all hon. Members should welcome that.