On 8 May 1997, Geoffrey Robinson, then Paymaster General, announced that Malcolm Bates, Chairman of Pearl Group and Premier Farnell, would conduct a speedy review of the PFI process. Mr Robinson also announced the end to universal testing - the rule that all capital projects had to be tested for private finance potential.11 This first 'Bates review' reported on 26 June 1997 and made 27 recommendations to the Government to streamline and improve delivery of PFI projects.12 One consequence was the creation of a PFI Taskforce inside the Treasury, drawn from the City, to help foster PFI expertise in government.
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11 HM Treasury, Paymaster General announces kick-start to PFI (Public/Private partnerships) - Review of Private Finance Machinery - End of Universal Testing, News release 41/97, 8 May 1997
12 HM Treasury, Robinson re-invigorates the PFI, News release 69/97, 23 June 1997