§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 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. [30851]
§ Mr. HoramThe 1994–95 expenditure of the Cabinet Office, including the Office of Public Service and Science, HMSO and the Central Office of Information did not change as a result of the private finance initiative. The same is likely to be true in 1995–96. Although no schemes within the scope of my responsibilities have been approved under the initiative to date, the involvement of private finance is explored wherever possible.
§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 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 they have 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. [30850]
714W
§ Mr. HoramThe Cabinet Office, including the Office of Public Service and Science, HMSO and COI did not approve any schemes under the private finance initiative in 1994–95; and it is unlikely that any will be approved in 1995–96. However, the involvement of private finance is explored wherever possible. Two schemes are currently being considered, with a total expected value of at least £10 million. Both have been in the assessment process for less than two months.