Mr. Robert AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to give small firms in the construction industry protection against unfair terms of contract imposed by larger companies. [23410]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesMy Department will shortly be issuing a second consultation document taking forward recommendations made in Sir Michael Latham's report "Construction the Team" which will deal with contractual issues in the construction industry.
Mr. Robert AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to introduce a long-term strategy for the construction industry and on maintaining relations between the Government and the industry. [23415]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesMy Department has a coherent strategy to assist the construction industry and its suppliers by promoting a programme of research, innovation and development; assisting the industry in markets abroad; encouraging the development of technical and professional training; and reviewing the contractual arrangements which operate within the industry. To176W facilitate this, the Government have joined with the industry on a new forum, the Construction Industry Board, which has been set up to promote dialogue between the various parts of the industry and its clients.
Mr. Robert AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to introduce a Bill on construction contracts. [23409]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesThe Government will consider legislation in the light of the responses to the consultation exercise now being undertaken.