Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Nick Ainger (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 10 February 2010 on behalf of the Wales Office.

Bank Loans

Question: My right hon. Friend will know that the construction industry in Wales has suffered during the recession and that this is partly due to the banks' restricting lending in this sector—despite there being a significant demand for housing and despite the fact that the banks have received billions in taxpayers' support. Will my right hon. Friend raise this issue at tomorrow's economic summit in Llanelli, where Welsh Assembly Members and other colleagues will be in attendance, to ensure that lending is released to the construction industry, so that we get skilled workers back in work?

Answer: Yes, of course I would be happy to raise this matter, which has been a source of continuing agenda discussion at recent economic summits in Wales. We will certainly discuss the issue tomorrow in Llanelli, and I will bring my hon. Friend's arguments to bear because the construction industry is vital. The investment that we are putting in will see more and more construction jobs, all of which would be put at risk if the Tories got into power.

Secondary information