16 MARCH 2002, Page 38

From Mr Robert van Stekelenbutg

Sir: The real reason why the PFI scheme continues to be heralded by the government is that it is a very good way to increase the confusion about where the public sector ends and the private sector starts. As a consequence, transparency and accountability will become even more remote concepts.

Welcome to a British future of Continental European-style corporatism. Perhaps this is the real reason why the Conservatives are going fact-finding across the Channel.

R. van Stekelenburg

Beckenham, Kent