HL Deb 02 May 2000 vol 612 cc153-4WA
Lord Cope of Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

(a) how many private finance initiative projects currently in negotiation on behalf of the Home Office are currently at the "preferred bidder" stage; (b) how many of these have been at the "preferred bidder" stage for more than 12 months; and (c) what is the longest period for which any of the projects mentioned in (a) have been at the "preferred bidder" stage. [HL2101]

Lord Bach

There are no Home Office private finance initiative projects which are currently at "preferred bidder stage".

Lord Cope of Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In relation to all private finance initiative agreements initiated on behalf of the Home Office since 1 April 1998, what has been the average period of time between identifying a preferred bidder and reaching "financial close"; how many such agreements have been so concluded; and how many have not yet been concluded. [HL2102]

Lord Bach

The average period of time between identifying a "preferred bidder" and reaching "financial close" is six months. Three such agreements have been concluded and there are no such agreements not yet concluded.