§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list his Department's projects which currently involve the private finance initiative. [5380]
§ Mr. Arbuthnot[holding answer 13 December 1995]In addition to the one approved PFI project mentioned in an earlier reply on 7 November 1995,Official Report, column 666, MOD has a portfolio of "Pathfinder" projects which will be tested for the suitability of PFI. Of these, a number are already in the procurement process and may, subject to value-for-money considerations, result in the delivery of a privately financed solution. The pathfinders include the provision of training and support services for the Naval Recruitment and Training Agency; telecommunications services for the defence fixed telecommunications system; the revitalisation of water and sewerage works at Tidworth garrison; the refurbishment of MOD's main building in Whitehall; provision of vehicles for the defence support vehicle fleet; and the provision of a visitors' centre for the Royal Navy at Devonport.
MOD is committed to the use of PFI and will consider a PFI solution, alongside other options, wherever it needs to consider using its own capital resources. It also remains MOD policy to obtain best value for money in its procurement activity and a PFI solution will he adopted if it demonstrates best value for money against other options.