2nd July 2021
Answered on: Wednesday 30 June 2021
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Craig Tracey (North Warwickshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of HS2 on the construction materials shortage for (a) other major projects in the construction sector and (b) the manufacturing and engineering sector. [20466]
Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Berwick-upon-Tweed):The Government is aware that a range of building materials are in short supply nationally. This is driven by demand and increased global competition to secure supplies. At present, we do not have any information to suggest that demand from HS2 is having a material impact on supplies within the UK or on major projects in the construction, manufacturing and engineering sectors. However, the Government recognises that this is a critical situation and we are following events closely.
The Construction Leadership Council’s Coronavirus Task Force has established a Product Availability Working Group, comprised of product manufacturers, builders’ merchants and suppliers, contractors of all sizes, and housebuilders. The Task Force continues to monitor the supply and demand of products, and identify those in short supply.
Answered on: Wednesday 30 June 2021
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
Rachael Maskell (York Central): To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential opportunities afforded by HS2 for (a) the economy and (b) implementing the Government's levelling up agenda for local and regional economies. [19636]
Luke Hall (Thornbury and Yate):The Government is committed to realising the economic opportunities presented by HS2. Following a recommendation made by the Oakervee Review of HS2, a Department for Transport led Ministerial Task Force for Phases 1 and 2a of HS2 was established to provide strategic oversight, support and challenge on delivery, including discussion of the economic benefits. This work complements the discussions on levelling up that are taking place at the National Economic Recovery Taskforce. My officials, working closely with Department for Transport officials, have frequent discussions with stakeholders across the country to fully understand the economic benefits of HS2 to their areas. Ministers and officials will continue to work together to ensure our priorities are met