Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mark Prisk and Lord Cryer

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?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mark Prisk and Lord Cryer

Thursday 31st March 2011 Commons Chamber

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

Will the three-year moratorium that the Secretary of State mentioned earlier apply to health and safety legislation? I ask that question in view of the fact that two people are killed every week in construction.

[Mr Prisk]

We are reviewing health and safety legislation following a report on a common-sense approach to it. The moratorium approach to domestic regulation for micro-businesses will extend across health and safety, but it will be a common-sense approach based on ensuring that when public safety or national security are involved, measures are progressed.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mark Prisk and Lord Cryer

Thursday 13th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Prisk]

I am pleased to say that we are not only going to extend the manufacturing and advisory service for all businesses, including the excellent ones in my hon. Friend’s constituency, but improve it so that we can help the productivity and competitiveness of small businesses in Lancashire and, indeed, across the country.

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

The Business Secretary continually tells us that the economy is steaming along very nicely and that everything is wonderful. If that is the case, why are wage settlements running at a rate far below price inflation?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mark Prisk and Lord Cryer

Thursday 3rd June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Prisk]

The hon. Lady is right to point out the importance of manufacturing; it is a crucial part of our economy. Sadly, it became imbalanced when her party was in power, and we need to change that. On the tax measure in question, and the representation that she made, she will understand that we are in the period running up to Budget purdah and need to be careful not to get ahead of what I think the Chancellor’s ambitions will be, but at the CBI dinner he made it very clear that, as regards corporation tax changes, we will not act in any way that impugns manufacturing in any form.

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

Does the Minister consider any part of health and safety regulation to be burdensome or, as he just said, red tape? If so, which bits?

[Mr Prisk]

The key principle in regulation is to ensure that it is proportionate and balanced, and that risks, where they exist, particularly in health and safety, are recognised. However, I say to the hon. Gentleman and to the whole House, let us ensure that regulations are introduced and implemented with a degree of common sense. Under the Better Regulation Executive we have good rules about proportionate regulation, and I want to ensure that health and safety meets those standards.