6. Mr. GamierWhat discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health about the use of the private finance initiative to finance new capital projects in the Scottish health service. [12043]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Sam Galbraith)I meet my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department of Health regularly. We have on occasion discussed the use of the private finance initiative for financing capital projects in the NHS in Scotland.
§ Mr. GarnierUntil 1 May, the Labour party opposed the PFI. What has made it change its mind?
§ Mr. GalbraithThe hon. and learned Gentleman's memory is vague; he is mistaken. The Labour party originated the PFI, and we are developing it. We consider it a useful way to increase capital in parts of the health service. In the health service in Scotland, we have three substantial projects nearing financial completion.