HC Deb 23 January 1998 vol 304 cc725-6W
Mr. Dorrell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list those new capital schemes for school developments which have been approved under the PFI since 2 May 1997. [23106]

Mr. Byers

Since 2 May 1997, the Department has approved the PFI scheme to provide replacement buildings and facilities management for the Colfox School in Dorset. The contract (worth £15 million in capital investment) was signed in November 1997. In addition, the PPP scheme to build and operate a new primary school in the Victoria Dock area of Kingston-upon-Hull (with a capital value of £2 million) has received conditional approval from the Department.

at least (a) 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C, (b) 5 GCSEs and (c) 1 GCSE in the quinquennial period 1992 to 1997, compared with the corresponding average annual rates of increase in the quadrennial period 1988 to 1992. [23653]

Dr. Howells

The information requested in respect of GCSEs is shown in the following tables.

Furthermore, many local authorities are actively developing PPP schemes to provide a range of asset-based services, including energy management, IT systems and catering facilities—over 20 of which are receiving support from the Department. More than 25 local authorities have expressed an interest in becoming one of 5 large-scale pilot PPP projects under the New Deal for Schools. PPP schemes to provide a range of asset-based services for grant maintained and voluntary aided schools are also receiving support from the Department.