§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what support he is giving to local authorities to develop road schemes using private sector finance. [14774]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 7 November 1997]: My Department has taken a number of measures to facilitate local authority PFI projects, including highway and other transport schemes. These include the introduction of a Bill to clarify local authorities powers to enter into PFI contracts, consultation on a draft instrument to permit local authorities to delegate a range of highway functions and the release of model contract documents developed for Highways Agency roads.