§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what(a) guidelines and (b) other advice has been issued by his Department regarding the extension of the private finance initiative to the operation of health services. [9080]
§ Sir John WheelerThe Department of Health and Social Services has issued a capital investment manual incorporating guidelines and advice on the private finance initiative in line with the national health service.
§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which capital projects are currently being considered under the private finance initiative; and what is the cost of each project. [9056]
§ Sir John WheelerProjects are being considered in the areas of water and sewage, transport, roads, health education and information technology. With the exception of the initial water and sewerage projects, which have an estimated value of £20–25 million, it is too early to provide an estimate of costs for other projects.