HC Deb 22 January 1996 vol 270 cc110-2W
Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much has been spent on external consultants in the tendering process of the private finance initiative in each year since its introduction(a) in real terms and (b) in cash terms disaggregated by (i) legal fees, (ii)publicity costs, (iii) accountancy fees and (iv) management consultancy fees. [10967]

Mr. Roger Evans

In 1994–95 this Department's private finance initiative projects spent £1.044 million on external consultants in the PFI tendering process on the areas of consultancy identified. This figure comprises (i) legal fees of £420,000; (ii) publicity costs of nil; (iii) accountancy fees of £167,000 and (iv) management consultancy fees of £457,000. In 1995–96 prices these costs would be £1.073 million in total and (i) £431,000; (ii) nil; (iii) £172,000 and (iv) £470,000 respectively.

The Department's PFI projects forecast that in 1995–96 we will spend £2.774 million on external consultants in the PFI tendering process on the areas of consultancy identified. this figure comprises (i) legal fees of £359,000; (ii) publicity costs of nil; (iii) accountancy fees of £95,000 and (iv) management consultancy fees of £2.32 million.

Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what have been the running costs relating to the tendering process of the private finance initiative in each year since its introduction(a) in real terms and (b) in cash terms disaggregated by (i) staff costs, (ii) information technology and (iii) other costs. [10968]

Mr. Roger Evans

In 1994–95 this Department's private finance initiative projects incurred total running costs relating to the PFI tendering process of around £1.5 million, rounded either as a cash figure or at 1995–96 prices. In 1995–96 the Department's PFI projects forecast that they will have incurred total running costs of around £2.5 million relating to the PFI tendering process. A breakdown of the costs is not available in the format requested.