HC Deb 28 November 1995 vol 267 cc606-7W
Mr. Milburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much private capital has been invested in each NHS region and in how many projects in each year since the private finance initiative was launched, listing each of the projects and their value. [3088]

Mr. Sackville

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. and learned Member for Montgomery (Mr. Carlile) on 6 November,Official Report, columns 622–23.

Ms Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health for the purposes of the private finance initiative in the NHS, if he will specify which clinical services are to be excluded from PFI-NHS contracts. [3103]

Mr. Sackville

The private finance initiative in the national health service is concerned with the provision of modern and efficient facilities for the delivery of NHS health care. It does not seek to extend private sector responsibility into the clinical area. No clinical or clinical support service will be provided by PFI partners without the support of local clinicians.

Mr. Milburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many schemes, and to what value, are currently being considered for private finance initiative in each region. [3091]

Ms Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will specify the PFI contracts in the NHS(a) under way, (b) signed and (c) under discussion. [3102]

Mr. Sackville

To ensure that national health service capital projects meet NHS needs as cost effectively as possible, the option of using private finance, under this Government's private finance initiative, must be considered for every potential capital project. Formulation of plans for projects to meet local needs is the responsibility of NHS trusts and health authorities. I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave the hon. and learned Member for Montgomery (Mr. Carlile) on 6 November,Official Report, columns 622–23, for the available information on PFI projects that have been given approval by the NHS executive.

Mr. Milburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many officials are responsible within(a) his Department and (b) the NHS executive for the private finance initiative. [3092]

Mr. Sackville

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the right hon. Member for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett) on 2 May 1995,Official Report, columns 775–76.