Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor for Exchequer on alternative financing models for rolling stock.

Department for Transport officials hold regular discussions with HM Treasury officials on a range of matters, including in relation to the procurement of rolling stock. However, no discussions have taken place between the Secretary of State for Transport and the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the use of alternative financing models to fund the purchase of new trains.