HC Deb 16 October 1995 vol 264 cc141-2W
Ms Jowell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the projected capital spending within the NHS for(a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97; and how much of that total he estimates will be funded through the private finance initiative; [36787]

(2) what is the projected capital spending on family and community health services within the NHS for (a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97; and what proportion will be funded through the private finance initiative. [36789]

Mr. Sackville

Gross capital spending within the National Health Service for 1995–96 is estimated to be £2,028 million. The Government's spending plans for 1996–97 will be announced in the Budget.

Spending on family health services and on community health services is not separately identified.

These figures are additional to capital arising from the private finance initiative. At present, capital projects with a total value of approximately £1 billion are being tested for private finance.

Mr. Betts

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the rights of individual members of the public to make complaints to any of the appropriate ombudsmen about services or projects funded through the private finance initiative in his Department. [36831]

Mr. Sackville

The rights of complaint of members of the public about NHS services are unaffected by the private finance initiative.

Mrs. Beckett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many capital expenditure bids have been exempted from normal private finance initiative rules. [36981]

Mr. Sackville

The potential for private finance is always thoroughly investigated before public funding is made available. This rule applies to all capital investment projects submitted for approval since the issue of the capital investment manual to the national health service in June 1994.

Ms Jowell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he proposes to offer to trusts negotiating contracts under the private finance initiative in relation to foreclosure in the event of default on obligations. [36796.]

Mr. Sackville

Guidance on the general principles to be applied in contracting with construction companies is set out in the National Health Service Estates publication "Contracts and Commissions for the NHS Estate", issued to all NHS trusts. Trusts, in consultation with the NHS executive headquarters, are responsible for ensuring that contracts with the private sector cover the eventuality of default by the private sector partner. Trusts are therefore urged to take legal advice at all stages of negotiating such contracts.