Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State for Transport of 12 January 2017, Official Report, column 451, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department's policies of any group litigation action by owners of Volkswagan vehicles.

We understand that many consumers are seeking independent legal advice on the Volkswagen issue and are prepared to provide any reasonable assistance to consumers who seek compensation directly from Volkswagen. We have engaged with legal firms who are representing consumers.

The Government wants to ensure that Volkswagen address consumers concerns and that their rights are protected; we are continuing to consider how best to do this. We have not ruled out opening our own investigation.