§ Sir John GorstTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the role of the private finance initiative in the development of Barnet hospital. [18683]
§ Mr. HoramThe Wellhouse national health service trust, of which Barnet hospital is part, already has phase 1a of its development under construction and has had approval to the outline business case for phase 1b. It is now investigating the potential advantages to be gained by proceeding with this project under the private finance initiative. The trust is making good progress in its negotiations with potential private sector partners, and it intends to submit its full business case within the next few months.