The majority of Oxford's election candidates oppose plans to use private cash to fund new hospital buildings, according to the results of a questionnaire.

But the Conservative and Labour contenders failed to respond to a hard-hitting letter quizzing them on their views of the Private Finance Initiative (PFI), according to eight organisations who signed the correspondence.

Under PFI, which is being used for a number of NHS developments in Oxford, hospitals are built using private money. The NHS then pays rent to the financiers, who own the buildings and employ ancillary staff, over 30 years.

Protesting against the idea, the city's PFI Alert Group believes the scheme, which is likely to cost Oxfordshire a minimum of £100m, will damage patient care.

Margaret Stanton, spokesman for the Oxfordshire health service branch of the MSF, said: "Unfortunately, despite several reminders, no Labour or Conservative candidate responded. Like us, voters must draw their conclusions.

"Major parties underestimate growing public concern about increasing privatisation of the NHS."

Andrew Smith, Oxford East Labour candidate, said he had sent a comprehensive letter to the PFI Alert Group.

He said: "We substantially reformed the PFI process when we came into Government to improve contracting and give full protection for staff."

Nick Thomas, press officer for Conservative candidate Ed Matts, said Mr Matts had not received the letter.