HC Deb 07 July 1997 vol 297 cc307-8W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what(a) annual and (b) other disclosure he proposes in respect of profits made by consortiums involved in NHS PFI schemes. [6554]

Mr. Milburn

The private sector companies which comprise a consortium involved in a Private Finance Initiative project with a National Health Service trust usually establish a new corporate entity known as a "special purpose vehicle". This is a limited company whose sole purpose and activity will be to sign the contract and take on the responsibilities under that contract. As a limited company it must observe the provisions of the Companies Acts and publish annual accounts; these must be lodged with the Registrar of Companies where they are available for public inspection.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if consortiums involved in NHS PFI schemes for NHS trusts are restricted in their ability to market or promote private health insurance. [6552]

Mr. Milburn

There is no specific national policy in place which restricts consortia involved in private finance initiative projects with National Health Service trusts from marketing or promoting private health insurance. However, all NHS trusts must ensure that the interests of NHS patients remain paramount and that the public service values of accountability, probity and openness underpin all decisions they take, as set out in the guidance documents Code of Conduct and Accountability" (1994) and "Standards of business conduct for NHS staff (1993). Particular emphasis is placed based on identifying and avoiding possible conflicts of interest and inducements.

Individual NHS trusts are required to draw up a local code of conduct and accountability which must be based on the national guidelines and take into account local circumstances.