Infrastructure

Debate between Gordon Birtwistle and Nigel Evans

Tuesday 12th February 2013 Commons Chamber

[Gordon Birtwistle (Burnley) (LD)]

I am grateful to the hon. Lady for giving way. Let me point out to her that spending on PFI schemes amounts to billions and billions of pounds—as I understand it, somewhere in the region of £800 billion—and is totally unaffordable. Is it right to spend money on a hospital—[Interruption.] Opposition Members should listen. Is it right to build a hospital under a PFI scheme whereby at the end of 25 years, we will have paid for it 18 times over? It might have cost £120 million to build, but by the time it is finished it will have cost more than £2 billion. I will not agree to spending money on that basis. We should spend money in the correct manner that is affordable for the people of this country; we should not have to pay for something 18 times over. Would you buy a house and pay for it 18 times over?

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans)]

That means me. Members should speak through the Chair.

The Economy

Debate between Gordon Birtwistle and Nigel Evans

Wednesday 22nd June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Gordon Birtwistle]

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans)]

Order. Mr Birtwistle, just to save your legs, I do not think that Mr Blenkinsop is keen on allowing you an intervention.