§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many PFI projects in progress have(a) delayed timetables and (b) cost overruns; and if he will list the time delays and cost implications in each case. [155460]
§ Mr. HuttonIndicative timetables and budgets are set for all schemes as part of their project management arrangements. During procurement, timetables are revised as necessary to reflect changed circumstances. Planned costs may also change but the scheme must remain affordable to the local health economy, and demonstrate value for money.
Firm completion dates (that is, when the hospital is open) are set only once contracts are signed for private finance initiative (PFI) schemes. To date, all major PFI schemes have been opened on or ahead of their planned completion target date.
Once contracts are signed, the risk of cost overruns is borne by the consortium.