Construction Industry

Answer: As far as skills are concerned, the London Development Agency and other regional development agencies are working closely with skills organisations. Where a lot of construction is likely to happen, such as in the area of the Olympics, skills training and encouragement will be necessary to ensure that our people can compete for such jobs. Again, I am impressed with the industry's leadership in that. Only last week, I joined the Prince's Trust and industry leaders to launch an initiative aimed at increasing the number of young people from more disadvantaged backgrounds who come into the industry, as well as encouraging people with the talent to lead to come into the construction industry. I acknowledge the importance of the issue.

This is an answer to the Oral question asked on Thursday, 4 May 2006 by Philip Hollobone (Conservative).

Question: What is the Minister's assessment of the skills shortage in the construction industry and to what extent does that industry now depend on foreign labour?

Secondary information