Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of the merger of Siemens and Alstom (a) on the value for money delivered to Network Rail’s signalling framework contract process and (b) the competitiveness of the wider supply side of the UK rail industry.

Network Rail is aware of the proposed merger of Siemens’ and Alstom’s rail divisions and will be supporting the European Commission in its assessment of the proposals in line with the process outlined in the Commission’s Mergers and Implementation Regulation.

As with all of its procurement frameworks, Network Rail’s signalling framework is structured to encourage diverse supplier participation, in addition to investment and innovation. Network Rail will continue to assess its supply chain, as well as the wider market, to identify opportunities to further boost competition and deliver a safe and efficient service to its customers.