§ 3. Mr. Ian TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many meetings he has had with trade unions since 7 June to discuss public/private partnerships in the NHS. [3765]
§ Mr. MilburnI have met with trade unions on a number of occasions to discuss a range of issues including public/private partnerships.
§ 36. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the availability of public capital for hospital building programmes. [3799]
§ Mr. HuttonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has regular discussions with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the availability of public capital for the National Health Service. This matter will be discussed again at the Public Expenditure Ministerial Cabinet Committee as part of the current spending review process.
Public capital will be considered for major hospital building projects when it is proven through the business case process to provide better value for money than a private finance initiative solution.