<p>New housing minister Margaret Beckett, in her first speech to the industry, has assured housebuilders that she and her government are committed to working in partnership with the industry to overcome these difficult times.</p> <br><p>Speaking at today's Housing Market Intelligence conference in London, Mrs Beckett acknowledged the challenges facing the industry but stressed that the underlying demand for housing in the UK has not gone away.</p> <br><p>"I am absolutely committed to trying to support you during these difficult times," she told the gathering of senior housebuilders and industry suppliers. "And to assure you through agreement and sometimes by disagreement I will still be listening." </p> <br><p>Mrs Beckett, alluding to industry concerns about issues of affordable housing and zero carbon targets, stressed it is critical "to strike the right balance between realism and ambition".</p> <br><p>She said that she would look for partnership with the industry in other ways. "On land supply, there may be ways that we can reduce the risk of new developments by bringing forward public land for development. Not only could this help you in the short term by offering you greater security but it will help to lay the foundations for recovery."</p> <br><p>Mrs Beckett was giving the …