Oral Answers to Questions

Toby Perkins Excerpts

Thursday 27th October 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Prisk]

My right hon. Friend has made an eminently sensible suggestion. This is why we are adopting a positive approach, and trying to ensure that when Departments have redundant land, we can return it to use.

[Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab)]

Britain’s construction industry needs a lion at the wheel, but instead we have a tortoise that is sitting still while building sites and people in our construction industry are made redundant. However, there is an alternative. The shadow Chancellor’s five-point plan will produce projects that will enable us to get the industry moving. For instance, a VAT cut to 5% on home improvements and repairs and maintenance is a targeted approach that is supported by the Federation of Small Businesses. Will the Government take serious action to get the construction industry moving?

[Mr Prisk]

As I recall, the tortoise beat the hare.