§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will make a statement on the allocation of PFI credits for the proposed Baldock bypass; [79788]
(2) in what circumstances a local authority may bid for the allocation of PFI credits in respect of more than one major transport project; [79787]
(3) if Hertfordshire County Council is limited to submitting only one major project bid for PFI credits; and if he will make a statement; [79791]
(4) to what extent the (a) population, (b) level of car ownership and (c) scale of transport problems in a highway authority area are taken into account in setting the number of major schemes per authority which will be approved for the allocation of PFI credits; and if he will make a statement. [79786]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 13 April 1999]The level of resources likely to be available for major transport projects during the 5-year period covered by Local Transport Plans is such that it is likely that there will be a significant number of plans for which no scheme is approved. Against this background there would need to be exceptional circumstances to justify approving more than one scheme in any one plan. No authority is precluded from submitting more than one scheme but they should consult their Government Office before doing so. All bids will be considered on their merits in line with the policies referred to in the guidance issued to local authorities.
Any bid that Hertfordshire may make for a Baldock Bypass will be considered on this basis.