§ Mr. BaldryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the assistance being given to the UK construction industry to help in Turkey following the earthquake. [R] [95464]
795W
§ Mr. RaynsfordI led a construction sector trade mission to Turkey on 20–24 September. One of the themes of this visit was to explore ways in which UK companies might participate in the planning and redevelopment of the areas worst affected by the tragic earthquake on 17 August.
I and the businessmen who travelled with me were appalled by the extent of destruction, particularly in the city of Adapazari. Adapazari has a population of 350,000 and is part of the industrial heartland of Turkey with some 350 factories. The World Bank investigation team estimated that the rebuilding of this city would require more time and more careful planning than the others which it had visited, because of the extent of the damage and the poor ground conditions that exist in the area.
Following the visit, the Government has in principle agreed to provide financial support, on a 50:50 basis, for an initiative by a group of nine UK companies which would provide much-needed consultancy advice on the reconstruction of Adapazari. This offer of assistance was delivered to the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey on Monday 18 October.