EARLY DAY MOTION URGES GOVERNMENT TO DELIVER ON PUBLIC SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PROGRAMME

22 February 2006

David Taylor, Labour MP for North West Leicestershire, has tabled an Early Day Motion entitled ‘Investment in Public Services and Infrastructure’ in support of the key role the construction industry plays in delivering new and improved public buildings and infrastructure.

The motion calls on the Government to ensure delivery of its targets in the crucial areas of new housing provision, new and refurbished schools and hospitals, and investment in Britain’s road, rail and water infrastructure. The motion also welcomes the Construction Products Association’s recent report, Achievable Targets, as a useful and timely review of the Government’s targets in these areas.

Commenting on the EDM, David Taylor said: “My constituency, like many others, depends on the minerals extraction and construction products industries both for local jobs and for public investment. The recent economic slowdown has caused some concern locally so I am anxious that the government adheres to its ambitious targets - especially on housing and transport.”

In supporting the EDM, Construction Products Association chief executive Michael Ankers said: “We are delighted that David Taylor has tabled this Early Day Motion and are grateful for his support for the construction industry. Continued investment in our public services and infrastructure is vital if the UK is to maintain and strengthen its position as a leading, globally competitive, economy. We are encouraged by the cross party support already gathered for this EDM and call on MPs from all sides of the House to support it.

“Despite a decade of unprecedented economic growth, the UK still remains bottom of the European league for the percentage of GDP invested in construction; spending only 7% compared with an EU average of 12%. The Government must remain committed to addressing the years of underinvestment, and missed and failing targets. To do otherwise creates enormous uncertainty, which adversely affects the construction industry. If ‘best value’ solutions are to be achieved, the Government must restore confidence in its long term programme and dispel the current caution about future investment.”

The Early Day Motion was put down on 15 February. So far it has received the support of the following MPs:

• David Taylor, Labour MP for North West Leicestershire (Sponsor).
• Peter Bottomley, Conservative MP for Worthing West (Co Sponsor).
• Bill Olner, Labour MP for Nuneaton (Co Sponsor).
• Andrew Stunell, Liberal Democrat MP for Hazel Grove (Co Sponsor)..
• Alison Seabeck, Labour MP for Plymouth Devonport (Co Sponsor)..
• Nicholas Winterton, Conservative MP for Macclesfield (Co Sponsor)..
• Andrew George, Liberal Democrat MP for St Ives.
• Mike Hancock, Liberal Democrat MP for Portsmouth South.
• Lindsay Hoyle, Labour MP for Chorley.
• Lynne Jones, Labour MP for Birmingham Selly Oak.
• Ann Cryer, Labour MP for Keighley.
• Andrew Dismore, Labour MP for Hendon.
• Paul Flynn, Labour MP for Newport West.
• Richard Younger-Ross, Liberal Democrat MP for Teignbridge.