§ Mr. GunnellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with representatives of small companies in the construction industry following publication of the provisions of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Bill; and if he will make a statement. [28375]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesMinisters in the Department of the Environment regularly meet representatives of small firms in the construction industry, and this has continued during the passage of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Bill.
487WThe Bill offers considerable benefits for small construction firms. If enacted, it will provide a right to refer contractual disputes to adjudication and will ensure that all contracts provide an adequate payment mechanism. It will render ineffective the notorious pay-when-paid and pay-if-paid contract provisions, except in the case of insolvency, and it will give contractors the right to suspend work if they were not getting paid in accordance with the contract. All these objectives have been welcomed by representatives of small construction companies.