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Construction is a 鈥済reat industry鈥� which the new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is determined to take forward through the downturn. So said our new construction minister Ian Lucas to the leading industry figures and MPs gathered for the annual terrace reception that 好色先生TV organises with the All-Party Parliamentary Study Group for Construction.

In his first public speech as minister Lucas acknowledged the industry鈥檚 frustration at being represented by the ninth person in eight years. 鈥淚 know you鈥檝e had one or two people in this post,鈥� he said, to murmurings from the crowd, 鈥渂ut I look forward to working with you for at least a year, and hopefully longer.鈥�

Following his speech, the minister said he was excited to be in the post and was looking forward to 鈥済oing out and meeting everyone鈥�.

鈥淚t鈥檚 about having a construction sector we can be proud of,鈥� Lucas said, 鈥渁nd showing that Britain can do better than everyone else.鈥�

About 200 politicians and industry chiefs circulated at the gathering, which turned into a historic night as MPs were forced to duck in and out of the reception to vote on a new speaker.

Also speaking at the event was former construction minister Nick Raynsford, who waded into the Chelsea Barracks debate on the side of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, much to the enjoyment of those present. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think it was constitutional for the interests of architecture in this country for Prince Charles to become involved,鈥� he said to a round of applause.

Meanwhile, Bill Olner MP, chairman of the all-party parliamentary study group, made his final speech to the industry as he prepared to stand down from his position. He heaped praise on construction鈥檚 ability to 鈥渕ake things better鈥� and urged it not to lose hope in the downturn.

鈥淭hings will eventually turn round, and we will continue to build bigger and better cities. Keep the faith.鈥�