Written question asked by Bob Laxton (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 February 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 27 February 2009. It was answered by Paul Clark (Labour) on Thursday, 12 March 2009 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Rolling Stock

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the statement of 12 February 2009, Official Report, columns 1531-33, on new trains (investment), what assessment he has made of the effect of World Trade Organisation treaty obligations on UK and European suppliers competing for railway rolling stock tenders in Japan.

Answer: The European Commission has highlighted the difficulties of entry for non-Japanese companies into the Japanese rail market. I understand that there are a small number of European trains and train components in Japan, and that there is the potential for more, although this is likely to require significant investment on the part of any potential market entrants. The Foreign Office continues to work with the European Commission—which takes the lead in this area—to review the issue of barriers to market.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 489 c603W;489 c605W; 260014
Session: 2008-09
Related items: New Trains (Investment)
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Commons
Subjects: Japan Rolling stock
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk