CIB has 'pivotal role'

Sir,

Your report 'Client revolt forces Task Force rethink' (CJ 19 August), wrongly implies that pressure from clients necessitated a rethink of the Task Force Steering Group to include the Construction Industry Board.

It has always been our strong belief that the Construction Industry Board has a pivotal role to play in implementing Sir John Egan's report Rethinking construction, and we have been very keen to see them involved. They are well placed to help develop and deliver the Egan message. Indeed, Tony Jackson was approached before the meeting with John Hobson referred to in the article. We are also very pleased that Sir John Egan wishes to remain fully involved in delivering the Task Force Report.

'Rethinking construction' has provided a positive message for the industry, and much of the feedback we have received has shown how it has captured their imagination.

Nick Raynsford

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State

DETR Editor's note: The focus of our report was that clients brought considerable pressure to bear to see that the initiative concentrated on all of the demand side, not just a small elite. Clients felt Tony Jackson's appointment symbolised the conceding of this point.

We accept that Mr Jackson was approached before the meeting at DETR - but we understand a number of others were too. We understand that there were also discussions between Mr Jackson and the department after the CIB board meeting at which clients registered their concerns.