Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the potential economic benefits of additional funding in rolling stock for (a) North West passengers, (b) the UK economy and (c) the manufacturing industry in the North East of England.

The Government recognises the importance the rolling stock supply chain has on the both the national and local economies. It is manufacturers themselves that are responsible for exploring opportunities to supply new trains for both export and domestic markets and they must ensure that they exploit the global reach and expertise within UK manufacturing facilities.

Since 2010, over 5,300 vehicles ordered by train operators in the UK have been assembled at manufacturing facilities across the country, reflecting in the region of around £10.6bn on orders for rolling stock built in the UK since 2010.

This includes the recent £2 billion HS2 rolling stock order for the next generation of Britain’s high-speed trains which will benefit passengers in the North West and be built in Derby, Crewe and County Durham. Whilst over one-third of the UK fleet has been renewed since 2010, the supply chain must continue to consider further opportunities around the remainder of the fleet, such as refurbishment or upgrades, that represent real long-term value to taxpayers.