§ Mr. ButterfillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress with the private finance initiative project for the water and sewerage works at Tidworth garrison. [36468]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotI am pleased to announce that, following expressions of interest from over 50 companies and outline proposals from 14, we have now selected Wessex Water Services Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Wessex Water plc, as the preferred bidder for the supply of water and sewerage services for Tidworth Garrison. Detailed contract negotiations will now commence with Wessex Water with the aim of achieving full transfer of responsibility at the beginning of 1997.
The application of private finance will not only represent a saving to the taxpayer but will provide a higher standard of service for all customers at no extra cost, as well as allowing the MOD to focus its efforts on its core business, that of supporting the operational activities of the armed forces.