Private Finance Initiative (Hansard, 7 November 1995)

HC Deb 07 November 1995 vol 265 cc847-8W 847W

§ Mr. Betts
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list by type of project(a) how many schemes have been approved to date under the private finance initiative, (b) what is the value of those schemes and (c) what public sector contribution will be required both initially and as revenue support during the lifetime of the schemes. [41738]

§ Mr. Forth
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has only a limited role in approving projects under the private finance initiative in the education sectors. Individual institutions, and local education authorities in the case of county and voluntary controlled schools, are free to enter into contracts with private sector bodies without recourse to her. She expects them to make full use of the freedoms and opportunities the private finance initiative offers to achieve best value for money.
848W
The Employment Service has procured a personnel administration system under the private finance initiative. The value of the project, over seven years, is £3.2 million. This represents the contract costs over the life of the project which will be met by the Employment Service.

§ Ms Lynne
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to consult with(a) disability organisations, (b) the Employers Forum on Disability, (c) the Confederation of British Industry, (d) the Institute of Directors and (e) the Federation of Small Businesses prior to the publication of recommendations concerning the departmental review of the access to work scheme. [41792]

§ Mr. Forth
Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 7 November 1995: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about plans to consult certain organisations about the review of Access to Work. The review is a Departmental study of the operation of Access to Work after its first year. We have no plans to request formal contributions from external bodies prior to publication although some organisations and individuals have given their views. I hope this is helpful.