HC Deb 08 September 2003 vol 410 cc34-5W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment his Department has made of the numbers of trained people needed in the building industry with reference to the Communities Plan; and if he will make a statement. [127763]

Keith Hill

The Communities Plan is clear that, in order to deliver my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister's vision of thriving, sustainable communities, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister needs to increase skills and capacity across the building industry.

Sir John Egan has therefore been asked to conduct a review of the skills and training that built-environment professionals required to deliver sustainable communities. He will consider what skills these groups need to work collaboratively and how any skills gap can best be bridged.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is also working with other Government Departments, agencies and the building industry to address the issues that are preventing young people from making construction their career of first choice.

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