MP Tackles Minister over schools 'impasse'

4.06.00pm GMT Tue 7th Dec 2004

With the latest financial reports suggesting that the PFI (Private Finance Initiative) contractor, Jarvis, is very close to financial collapse, Vincent Cable, MP, obtained a debate on Monday evening, challenging the schools' minister, David Milliband, to take action. Vincent Cable wanted assurances that schools, like Trafalgar Junior in Twickenham, - where work on construction has virtually stopped for four months - are not left in limbo.

Mr Milliband told Twickenham's MP that he was now personally involved, his department was in close touch with the local education authority and he expected an agreement to restart work very soon.

Vincent Cable said that the position at present "is putting great and unnecessary strain on the school. I was able to read in parliament a very eloquent statement from the pupils' school council at Trafalgar detailing the daily hazards and inconveniences of going to school in a half completed building site.

"Although, legally, the local council is responsible, the government cannot evade responsibility since it approved the schools contract, has been giving regular behind-the-scenes advice and - most important - has oversight of PFI projects around the country. I am pleased to see that the Minister is now taking a close personal interest".

"As for the company, these are the people who won't pay their subcontractors but had enough money to pay £1 million to failed executives. I have written to Stephen Norris, the Chairman, and I hope he will be shamed into fulfilling moral and contractual obligations".