Written question asked by Michael Portillo (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 January 2004. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Monday, 12 January 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the estimated cost of the Paddington site development was on 1st January 2002; what his latest estimate of the cost of the development is; and if he will investigate alternative options for meeting tertiary health demand in West London.

Answer: Mr. Portillo: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the estimated cost of the Paddington site development was on 1 January 2002; what his latest estimate of the cost of the development is; and if he will investigate alternative options for meeting tertiary health demand in West London. [145097] Mr. Hutton: The estimated capital cost of the preferred option in the outline business case (OBC) which was approved in October 2000--the Paddington Basin scheme--was £360 million. The estimated cost of this option is currently £800 million. This initial OBC is currently being reviewed. This review will determine if the financial assumptions underpinning the OBC are still robust.

Secondary information