HC Deb 08 December 1998 vol 322 cc182-3W
Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what the value is of PFI credits approved for each unitary authority in Wales; [62366]

(2) what is the total value of (a) all PFI applications per unitary authority in Wales to date and (b) PFI schemes approved per unitary authority to date. [62370]

Mr. Michael

No PFI credits have yet been issued to County and County Borough Councils in Wales. However, on reaching contract signing stage credits amounting to about £150 million are available for the projects selected as Local Government pathfinders.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average time taken for the appraisal of PFI schemes in Wales. [62368]

Mr. Michael

Each scheme has to be appraised against the criteria of affordability and value for money. The time taken for the appraisal of PFI varies from scheme to scheme to such a degree that it is not possible to provide a meaningful average figure.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the notional value is of Government credits for PFI apportioned to Wales. [62367]

Mr. Michael

There are no PFI credits apportioned to Wales. The Welsh Block receives a consequential of the revenue costs of local government PFI projects approved in England. I determine the related level of PFI credits to be made available in Wales as and when successful projects emerge.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the criteria applied in considering PFI schemes for approval in Wales. [62372]

Mr. Michael

The criteria applied in considering PFI schemes are that each scheme shouldmeet a policy objective of the Welsh Office; meet the priorities of the Welsh Office; deliver good value for money by allowing both public and private sectors to focus on what they do best; and ensure that staff are fairly treated whoever employs them.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many PFI schemes are currently under review in Wales. [62369]

Mr. Michael

There are 6 PFI projects included in the Local Government pathfinder programme. There are 3 major NHS PFI projects currently being progressed with the private sector and in addition there are a number of other PFI schemes being progressed individually by NHS Trusts within locally delegated arrangements. There is also a PFI project with one of our NDPBs (Bute Avenue) and the Department itself has one project (the A55).

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many PFI schemes have been approved for each unitary authority in Wales. [62371]

Mr. Michael

The Department is supporting 6 pathfinder PFI projects in the local government sector and will approve projects which successfully meet all the relevant criteria, including affordability. To date, no proposals have reached this stage.