§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many, and which, United Kingdom local authorities have(a) promoted and (b) participated in schemes under the Private Finance Initiative in the last year. [39988]
§ Ms ArmstrongMy Department's press release of 10 February, a copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library, lists 42 individual PFI schemes in England, promoted by 34 local authorities. Local authorities whose projects appear on this list can be confident that they will receive support for their contractual commitments. In Wales, so far no PFI schemes have been signed but the Welsh Office is treating six projects as pathfinders. 26 Scottish authorities have indicated to the Scottish Office an intention to apply for support towards PFI schemes.