HC Deb 15 October 2001 vol 372 cc861-2W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reform the Private Finance Initiative. [7786]

Mr. Andrew Smith

The underlying principles applying to all types of partnership were set out in "Public Private Partnerships—the Government's Approach" which was published last year. Copies are available in the Library of the House and are accessible on the Treasury's website www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/docs/2000.ppp.html.

Consistent with these principles a number of significant improvements have been made to the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) since the Government took office in 1997.

Further refinements to improve value for money continue to be implemented, including expanded and revised guidance on Standardisation of PFI Contracts, which is expected to be issued before the end of the year.