§ Mr. HuttonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many private finance initiative 325W applications have been received from(a)police authorities and (b) fire brigades; and what is the total value of these projects. [36246]
§ Mr. SackvilleIt is for police and fire authorities to take forward private finance schemes. My hon. Friend, the Minister of State for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration announced on 21 May measures to help local authorities to engage in private finance initiative projects.
The Home Office is supporting 13 police forces in the development of 14 "pathfinder" PFI projects, with an estimated total capital value of around £130 million. A number of fire brigades are also being encouraged to explore potential private finance options.