Oral Answers to Questions

Jim Sheridan Excerpts

Wednesday 9th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab)]

1. What steps the Government are taking to stimulate demand in the construction sector in Scotland.

[Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab)]

7. What recent discussions he has had with the First Minister on the construction industry in Scotland.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (Michael Moore)]

I recognise the vital role that the construction industry plays in the Scottish and UK economy. The plan for growth includes a wide range of measures to support the industry across the UK. I have regular discussions with Scottish Ministers on these and other matters of importance to the Scottish economy.

[Michael Moore]

I agree that we must take all appropriate measures to get the economy on the right footing. As he will appreciate, we have a big challenge clearing up the mess left by the previous Government and the challenging situation in the eurozone, but we are determined, through our credible deficit plan and with a strong economy, to get construction and other sectors in the right place.

[Jim Sheridan]

The Secretary of State might be aware of the major lobby today by construction workers throughout the UK, many of them from Scotland. They are concerned about proposals by six national construction companies to change the national agreement for electricians. Given what is going on in Scotland, when he next meets the First Minister will he remind him of the excellent work being done in both Parliaments in providing quality partnerships? The proposal by those construction companies could undermine all that good work.