HC Deb 01 July 1997 vol 297 cc143-4W
Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department gives on the circumstances in which it is appropriate for health authorities or trusts to engage outside advisers or consultants in the preparation of PFI proposals; and if he will make a statement. [5815]

Mr. Milburn

Guidance on the appointment of external consultants and advisers is given in the "National Health Service Capital Investment Manual" (HSG(94)31 published in 1994) in the sections "Business Case Guide" and "Management of Construction Projects". The "Guide to Procedures for the Commissioning of Building and Engineering Consultants" issued as part of "Concode" (published 1983) also gives advice. Advice is also available in "5 Steps to the Appointment of Advisers to PFI Projects" (published May 1996) which was issued by the private finance panel.

We will be examining the use of external advisors in our review of PFI.