Wrightbus (Ballymena) Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office
Monday 30th September 2019

(4 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Julian Smith Portrait Julian Smith
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The £220 million announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer a few hours ago will be of benefit to all bus companies and will ensure that the market for buses in both GB and NI will continue to thrive.

Mark Menzies Portrait Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con)
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May I urge the Secretary of State to ensure that the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is working with not only Wrightbus but the Department for International Trade? As a trade envoy, I can testify to the fact that there is considerable interest in this bus in some of the high-density markets, particularly in Latin America, and with support from Government we might be able to get some of those deals over the line.

Julian Smith Portrait Julian Smith
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Through this process, I have become aware of the huge market for buses in South America. My hon. Friend is an exceptionally dynamic trade envoy, and I look forward to meeting him to discuss opportunities for Wrightbus buses if we can get a new buyer for them in the coming weeks.