Govt paper has no solutions

This week's Competitiveness White Paper from the Department of Trade and Industry has been criticised for failing to raise any specific initiatives aimed at the construction industry.

This is despite the fact construction has been heavily criticised by the paper, which says: 'expenditure on training and accreditation schemes is lower than in other sectors and that research suffers particularly in a recession. The industry is also notable for a large number of disputes and for heavy expenditure on litigation'.

The paper blames the cyclical nature of the industry but offers no solutions to these problems. When it comes to transport issues it is even more vague.

'Given that fact that the Government states that "quick, reliable cost effective transport links play an important role in the competitiveness of British business", the White Paper appears to be remarkably complacent about its role in ensuring this is provided,' said British Road Federation Director Richard Diment.

It is understood that the omission of any major transport initiative has sparked off a behind the scenes row between President of the Board of Trade Michael Heseltine and Transport Secretary Dr Brian Mawhinney.