In September the Walkie Talkie tower in the City became the centre of an international media frenzy when it transpired that sunlight reflected from the building was melting objects on the street below, including parts of cars. One reporter even managed to fry an egg in the heat spot. Remedial measurements to solve the problem will cost "low single digit millions" according to developer Canary Wharf Group. When UK Contractors Group chief executive Stephen Ratcliffe was called to appear before the committee of MPs investigating blacklisting in July, he would have been hoping to help improve the sector's reputation. Instead, in a painful hour-and-a-half encounter, Ratcliffe was accused of being "evasive" by two MPs on the Scottish Affairs Committee, and was asked to justify his £120,000 salary.
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