§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those higher education institutions which are discussing private finance for upgrading or developing facilities with private sector firms; and which firms are involved in these discussions. [17474]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonHigher education institutions are free to enter into discussions on private finance with the private sector as they consider appropriate. The names of the institutions or the private sector firms involved are matters of commercial confidence to the institutions concerned.
§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he intends to refuse to approve any capital projects in higher or further education unless private finance options have been explored. [17473]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonWe would expect institutions to consider the private finance option. However, projects may proceed to procurement without a private finance option being considered if it is clear that transfer of control and risk is not feasible. It is for the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council to approve capital projects in higher education using criteria based on guidance issued by the Secretary of State.
§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a list of those invited to attend the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council conference on the private finance initiative; and what specific developments, if any, arise from this conference. [17472]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Scottish Higher Education Funding Council was responsible for organising the conference on the private finance initiative. Attendance was not by invitation but by application. I have asked the funding council to write to the hon. Member and provide details of those who attended.
It is now for higher education institutions and the business community to decide on the feasibility of specific developments.