Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list those projects which have now been identified as being suitable for the private finance initiative; and if he will make a statement on the private finance initiative. [1159]
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§ Sir John WheelerA range of projects across all Northern Ireland Departments and the Northern Ireland Office are under consideration, including schemes covering sewage treatment plants in the Water Executive, IT in the Land Registry and hospital equipment leases. The Department of Finance and Personnel is undertaking a scoping study to identify the application of PFI to all areas within Northern Ireland Departments and the NIO.
Mr. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he proposes to commence the private finance initiative in Northern Ireland, if it will be operational in all the Departments of government and if he will make a statement about progress towards the practical implementation of the private finance initiative. [1158]
§ Sir John WheelerAll Northern Ireland Departments, the Northern Ireland Office and their non-departmental public bodies are fully committed to the private finance initiative and a number of projects are already under consideration in Northern Ireland. My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has made it clear that capital projects will not be approved unless private finance options have been explored.