MPs support FMB call for Construction Minister

Cross party group of MPs has joined the Federation of Mater Builders in calling for the appointment of a dedicated Construction Minister.

This follows the appointment of the seventh minister with responsibility for construction since 1997, and the decision by the Government to downgrade the ministerial rank of the construction minister from Minister of State, to Parliamentary Under Secretary of State.

Richard Younger-Ross MP (Liberal Democrat) tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) recognizing the importance of the construction industry to the UK economy and supporting FMB's call for a dedicated Construction Minister to act as a champion for the construction industry, both within and outside government.

(Full EDM in note to editors) Brian Berry, FMB Director of External Affairs, said: "The Government says that it wants new homes, better infrastructure, new schools and new hospitals, as well as delivery of prestige projects such as the Olympics, and then they downgrade the ministerial rank of the construction minister from Minister of State, to Parliamentary Under Secretary of State".

"This is indicative of the Government's inability to comprehend the centrality of the industry to the successful delivery of its public service programme".

"As a result, responsibility for the construction industry is spread across Whitehall with little or no effective co-ordination".

"The inevitable result is ineffective policies backed by often counterproductive policy drivers that more often hinder than help the industry in its attempts to deliver government priorities".

"It is time construction took its rightful place at the core of government policy".

Berry continued: "The FMB wants a dedicated Construction Minister to act as a champion for the construction industry both within and outside government".

"The Minister should focus on developing strategies, attracting resources, and help to improve the image of the construction industry".

"We are therefore delighted that this EDM has been tabled and that a cross party group of MPs have signed up in support".

"We now look forward to Gordon Brown appointing his first Construction Minister.

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