34. Mr. Robert G. HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what policies he is pursuing to expand PFI activities in Scotland. [10822]
§ Mr. KynochPrivate sector alternatives must be fully considered for all capital spending for which the Scottish Office is responsible before public finance is made available. I have recently strengthened the private finance unit in the Scottish Office in order to help local authorities, in particular, take full advantage of the PFI.