§ Tom BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the original estimate supplied to his Department was of the PPP consultancy costs for London Underground. [86530]
§ Mr. JamiesonLondon Transport's expenditure on consultants costs has been regularly reported to the House at six-monthly intervals since 13 January 1999. London Transport could not at that stage be confident of the overall requirements or costs of external advice. An estimated outturn figure of £98 million was first reported to the House on 4 December 2001. London Transport's latest estimate of between £103 million-£105 million was352W reported to the House on 25 November. The increase was partly as a result of the Mayor's second unsuccessful legal challenge.
§ Tom BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the NAO about the Government's decision to accept liabilities relating to tube PPP. [86595]
§ Mr. JamiesonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's minute of 4 December notified Parliament of a contingent liability that London Regional Transport is intending to enter into in respect of the PPPs, and a guarantee that he in turn is intending to provide to London Regional Transport in the event that the contingent liability should materialise. No discussions have been held with NAO. However, in accordance with the guidance set out in Government accounting, Treasury were consulted before notification, and a copy of the minute was also separately sent to the Chair of the Committee of Public Accounts.