§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the contract for the private finance initiative rebuilding of Bishop Auckland hospital to be signed; if he will publish the terms of the contract; what private finance initiative funding will be provided; and if he will make a statement. [40173]
§ Mr. HoramThe full business case for the private finance initiative scheme at Bishop Auckland hospital is currently with the National Health Service Executive and Her Majesty's Treasury. Ministers are also currently considering the outcome of County Durham health authority's review of acute services in Durham. No decision can be taken on the approval of the PFI scheme at Bishop Auckland hospital until this exercise is complete. It is too early to say what the final capital value of the PFI scheme will be, or when the contract is likely to be signed.
The terms of the contract will be commercial in confidence.