PMQT Written Answers – 29 January 1996

Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 29th January 1996.

PRIME MINISTER:

Private Finance Initiative

Mr. Andrew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister (1) what have been the running costs relating to the tendering process of the private finance initiative in each year since its introduction (a) in real terms and (b) in cash terms disaggregated by (i) staff costs, (ii) information technology and (iii) other costs;

(2) how much has been spent on external consultants in the tendering process of the private finance initiative in each year since its introduction (a) in real terms and (b) in cash terms disaggregated by (i) legal fees, (ii) publicity costs, (iii) accountancy fees and (iv) management consultancy fees.

The Prime Minister [holding answer 22 January 1996]: I refer the hon. Member to the replies given on Friday 26 January, by my hon. Friend, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Official Report, columns 418-19.

Advertising and Publicity

Mr. Salmond: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list breaches, by Department and Minister, of conventions on ministerial advertising and publicity since 1992; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister: In all cases Government Departments seek to observe the conventions.

Mr. Salmond: To ask the Prime Minister when the Cabinet Office last circulated its guidelines to Ministers on central Government conventions on publicity and advertising and what measures it takes to ensure the guidelines are adhered to.

The Prime Minister: An updated version of the guidance on Government publicity and advertising was circulated by the Cabinet Office to Departments this month and I am arranging for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House. This document makes clear that Departments are responsible for ensuring that the conventions on propriety are observed and that value for money is achieved.

No. 10 Downing Street (Chandelier)

Mr. McFall: To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received urging him to return a chandelier in No. 10 Downing Street to the former Argyll Motor Works building in Alexandria.

The Prime Minister: As far as I am aware, none.