HC Deb 29 February 2000 vol 345 c223W
37. Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the costs to the public purse of private finance initiative bids for the reconstruction of the Whittington hospital. [110892]

Mr. Denham

The outline business case for this much-needed redevelopment was approved by the regional office of the National Health Service Executive in November at a value of £23 million. The regional office is currently working with the trust to decide what elements of the scheme are suitable for private finance initiative and which may be more suitable for public funding. This decision will be taken in the next few months. Until then, it is not possible to make an estimate of the cost of seeking and securing private finance bids.