Orders of the Day National Health Service (Private Finance) Bill [Lords] — Powers of NHS trusts to enter into agreements — 14 Jul 1997

Order for Second Reading read.

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.

Two weeks ago, I announced the outcome of a review of all the major private finance initiative acute schemes in the national health service. I gave the go-ahead to 14 hospital projects that the Government believe are likely to contribute most to the health care needs of their local communities and proceed most rapidly to an affordable, value-for-money financial close. Those not selected had the right to make representations about the decision and the list cannot be regarded as closed until they have all been considered.

Prioritisation means that the chosen projects can be expected to reach financial close within the next 18 months. As I have stressed throughout, I shall not hesitate to cancel any contract that fails to deliver on time and on price. However, I am confident that work will be well under way on site by the turn of the decade on each of the pathfinder schemes, which will deliver much needed and long overdue hospitals to communities that have waited too long for them.

Mr. Simon Hughes (Southwark, North and Bermondsey):

Can the Minister say whether any of the trusts responded to the opportunity to make representations within 10 days and, if so, how many and which ones?

Presumably, those are the people whom the right hon. Gentleman is now trying to charm into becoming involved in private-public partnerships.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time .

Motion made, and Question put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 63 (Committal of Bills) ,

That the Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House.--[ Ms Bridget Prentice .]

Question agreed to .

Bill immediately considered in Committee.

I beg to move amendment No. 11, in page 1, line 13, at end insert--

'(aa) he is satisfied that the agreement has been the subject of full public consultation in the area which it is to effect; and'.

It being Ten o'clock, The Chairman left the Chair to report progress and ask leave to sit again.

Committee report progress.

Motion made, and Question put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business),

That, at this day's sitting, the National Health Service (Private Finance) Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour.-- [Ms Bridget Prentice.]

Question agreed to.

Again considered in Committee.

Question again proposed, That the amendment be made.

I beg to move amendment No. 1, in page 1, line 15, at end insert

'and

'(c) he is satisfied that all the terms of the agreement have been finalised and that the necessary finance has been committed;

and no certificate given under this section may subsequently be withdrawn or amended.'.

I beg to move amendment No. 6, in page 1, line 15, at end insert

'and

(c) in his opinion the agreement is compatible with the fair distribution of capital and revenue spending within a regional strategic framework.'.

Question put, That the amendment be made:--

The Committee divided: Ayes 26, Noes 216.

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