§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what measures he has put in place to ensure the spread of best practice on use of the PFI throughout Government; [76398]
(2) what are the criteria on the basis of which decisions about the relative priority of PFI projects are made. [76397]
§ Mr. MilburnRecommendation number 4 of the review of the Private Finance Initiative by Sir Malcolm Bates, announced on 23 June 1997, said that the Treasury Taskforce should sign off the commercial viability of all significant projects before the procurement process commences.
A further announcement on 10 February 1998 said that projects would be deemed "significant" for at least one of four reasons: those which are either big, high profile, highly replicable or ground breaking. They are also likely to raise issues that require speedy resolution.
The Taskforce continues to publish a full range of policy statements, technical notes and other guidance on PFI. These are available from Treasury Public Enquiry Unit, the Taskforce website (www.treasury-projects-taskforce.gov.uk) and in CD ROM form.
The Taskforce also maintains a library containing contract documents, case studies and other relevant documentation which those involved in PFI are encouraged to consult.
The Taskforce encourages public sector staff involved in PFI to undertake appropriate training, and has commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers to manage a Taskforce approved training programme.
Capita in partnership with the Taskforce runs a programme of conferences covering PH issues of the day.