Mr. David Browne:

On the setting of mandated targets, the Government is in a very strong position because it sets policy and is the biggest client in the State. I understand that the UK is aiming for an initial level of 25% of public sector new builds to be built by modern methods of construction, MMC. I assume that will grow over time. There is a need to set mandated targets as soon as possible so we can encourage the use of MMC. I am also working on a roadmap for circular construction in the country. I believe we will also have to mandate that in order to in any way achieve our sustainability targets. Mandating is one thing.

If we are producing 30,000 to 40,000 units per year, it would seem there is an opportunity to take 10,000 as a target and between the public and private sector, guarantee a constant pipeline of delivery of a minimum of, say, 10,00 units per year, which would give a manufacturer the incentive to set up and begin to produce at scale. Those are the two points I wish to make.