§ Mr. LeggTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what PFI projects(a) have been completed, (b) are at construction stage, (c) are at planning state and (d) are under consideration; and what is the value of each project. [18841]
§ Mr. WattsIn November 1994, the Department published its document, Building Tomorrows Transport Network, which described developments in private funding for transport projects. It included projects under construction, such as the Heathrow express rail link and second Severn crossing, and the Queen Elizabeth II bridge at Dartford, which was opened in 1991. The document also set out a wide range of future opportunities for private sector participation under the PFI.
Since then the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Bill has begun its passage through Parliament, and bids have been received to build and run the new line; we have announced that the signalling and train control system for the upgraded west coast main line will be secured with private finance; we have announced a second tranche of four design, build, finance and operate road schemes; London Transport has signed the final contract with GEC Alsthom for the supply of privately financed new trains for the Northern line; BR has invited tenders for a possible further trunk of Networker express trains; and we have approved funding in principle for the Croydon Tramlink and line one of the Midland Metro light rail schemes, subject to satisfactory contributions from the private sector.