§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how much has been spent on external consultants in the tendering process of the private finance initiative in each year since its introduction(a) in real terms and (b) in cash terms 165W disaggregated by (i) legal fees, (ii) publicity costs, (iii) accountancy fees and (iv) management consultancy fees; [10951]
(2) what have been the running costs relating to the tendering process of the private finance initiative in each year since its introduction (a) in real terms and (b) in cash terms disaggregated by (i) staff costs, (ii) information technology and (iii) other costs. [10952]
§ Mr. Hanley[holding answer 22 January 1996]: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, including the Overseas Development Administration, is fully committed to the private finance initiative and is exploring the use of private capital for projects in a number of areas, including the home and overseas estate, information technology and other technical equipment. None of these projects has yet reached the tender stage.