HC Deb 19 October 1998 vol 317 cc898-9W
Mr. Gibb

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish his Department's analysis of PFI projects and the final data on the preferred deals. [55205]

Mr. Meale

The Department has not commissioned a formal analysis of PFI projects. General information is provided each year in the Department's annual report. The details of significant PFI deals are set out in Departmental press releases.

Mr. Gibb

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions to what timescale the Government intend to publish PFI contracts. [55203]

Mr. Meale

The Department will make available on request all new contracts, including PFI contracts, to which it is a party. Those parts of contracts for which there are legitimate reasons for confidentiality will not be disclosed, although I would expect this information to become available after a limited period. This is in accordance with the Department's policy to make available contract documents which was set out in a statement by Lady Hayman on 23 July.