Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Cryer Excerpts

Thursday 27th October 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Prisk]

There was a real problem for the workers in that area, and we responded positively by providing the additional two enterprise zones. I hope the hon. Gentleman welcomes that.

[John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab)]

8. What steps his Department is taking to support the construction industry.

[The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk)]

The Government are acting positively to strengthen the industry by reform the planning system, modernising public sector procurement, and producing the first national infrastructure plan, which will unlock up to £200 billion of both public and private investment.

[John Cryer]

Can we return to planet Earth? Since the election 65,000 jobs have gone in construction, no one is training apprentices, and public sector contracts have dried up. Do we not need a bit more action?