§ 26. Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the latest estimated value of the private finance initiative for the re-development of Colchester Garrison; when he expects to announce the name of the chosen contractor; and when he expects work to start. [49602]
§ Mr. SpellarI have made no estimate of the value to prospective contractors of the private finance initiative for the re-development of Colchester Garrison. Tenders for the PFI project at Colchester were received on 8 July and will now be subject to a full technical and commercial evaluation. The information contained within the tenders is commercial in confidence and is being withheld under section 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. If it is decided that the PFI route represents a viable way forward, a preferred bidder should be announced early next year. I would expect any contract to be awarded in mid-1999 with work starting on a phased basis during the year 2000.