§ Mr. McCrindleTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidelines on the scope of possible projects he has given to private sector companies considering making proposals for private sector-sponsored transport infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyMy right hon. Friend has written to a number of prominent firms in the finance and construction industries inviting their ideas in general terms on the possibilities for private sector infrastructure projects. He has asked them to put forward ideas for building and operating infrastructure in ways which are more cost-effective than current methods and preferably to look for novel concepts which will complement existing and planned public sector provision. The firms have also been provided with a copy of the paper which the Government put to the civil engineering EDC clarifying the Ryrie rules.
§ Mr. McCrindleTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what specific proposals from private sector companies for private sector sponsored transport infrastucture projects he has received since 1 January; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyMy right hon. Friend has received a number of ideas on privately funded infrastructure projects this year including suggestions for:
- —a road tunnel under the Thames
- —a second tier on the M25
- —a rail link to the Channel tunnel
- —improvements to the public transport surface access to Heathrow airport
- —a light rapid transit system for Avon.
A large number of more general ideas have also been put forward recently, largely in response to my right hon. Friend's letter of March 28 to firms in the finance and construction industries inviting their views on privately financed transport infrastructure projects.