§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when the outline business case for the replacement of heating system boilers using PFI at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle was received; when it was approved; and when work will start. [140633]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 27 November 2000]: The Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals National Health Service Trust submitted an outline business case in October 1999, and the Northern and Yorkshire Regional Office agreed that the trust could proceed to the Official Journal of the European Community advert in November 1999.
In line with normal capital investment procedure, a full business case is now awaited from the trust, and this is expected in the near future. Once that full business case has been evaluated and approved by Northern and Yorkshire Regional Office, the trust will then be permitted to proceed to contract signature, and works can commence thereafter.