§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were the(a) original and (b) revised target dates for the announcement of decisions on PFI deals for his Department's site changes in Tyne and Wear; and if he will give the reasons for the change in target dates. [23700]
§ Mr. HealdThe administration of the Contributions Agency is a matter for Mrs. Faith Boardman, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member.
Letter for George Bertram to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 4 April 1996:
As the Chief Executive of the Contributions Agency is away from the office on annual leave, I have responsibility for answering questions about administration matters relating to the Agency in her absence.I have been asked to reply to your question regarding the target dates for the announcement of decisions on PFI deals for Agency's site changes in Tyne and Wear.The original date for making an announcement of the decision on the Newcastle Estate Development PFI was April 1996. The revised date for making an announcement is now June 1996.The change in the target date is to allow the opportunity for clarification of parts of each company's Best and Final offer to be sought. In consultation with our advisors, central departments, the Private Finance Panel Executive and the bidders, the evaluation process has been adjourned. The Newcastle Estate project is a complex one with many facets which need to be addressed. As a pathfinder project within PFI it is breaking new ground and establishing guidelines for future projects.I am confident that this additional information will enable the best decision to be made.