§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs by how much Government spending has changed in 1994–95 as a result of the private finance initiative; what is the estimated effect in 1995–96; how many jobs are to be created by schemes approved to date under the initiative and how many have been lost as a consequence in the public sector; and what is the forecast of transfer of employment from public to private sector over the last five years because of the initiative. [30841]
§ Mr. GoodladSpending by the FCO, including the Overseas Development Administration, did not change during 1994–95 as a result of the private finance initiative. Savings will be achieved in 1995–96 if better value for money can be secured under the PFI; it is not possible to forecast the impact on employment.
§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many schemes and to what value have been approved in 1994–95 under the private finance initiative; what are the estimates for the current financial year; how many schemes are currently being considered and at what value; for how long have they been considered and how many have been in the assessment process for over(a) six months and (b) 12 months; and what was the average length of time taken to assess schemes so far approved. [30840]
§ Mr. GoodladNo schemes were approved under the private finance initiative in the FCO, including the Overseas Development Administration, during 1994–95. The FCO faces special considerations beyond its control (e.g. legal requirements overseas) and it is not yet possible to estimate the numbers or value of capital projects to which the PFI can be applied in 1995–96. Currently two overseas building projects are at the feasibility stage and expressions of interest have been invited for PFI options in up to five projects within the FCO's communications strategy. The projects have been under assessment as PFI schemes for less than six months.