Written question asked by Lord Berkeley (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Attlee (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 December 2010.

Railways: Intercity Trains

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Statement by Earl Attlee on 25 November regarding investment in railways, whether the further investigation into a new fleet of intercity trains will include a retendering process under EU procurement rules for the new options proposed; and which manufacturers are at present in discussions with the Department for Transport over this potential order.

Answer: The Statement from the Secretary of State for Transport on 25 November confirmed that the Department for Transport is looking at two options for the replacement of the HST fleet of trains: a revised bid from Agility Trains (which remains the preferred bidder for the Intercity Express Programme option) and an alternative option for an electric fleet of trains that can couple to diesel locomotives. If the latter option is chosen, it would require a new procurement exercise to be initiated. Any new procurement exercise would be conducted in accordance with UK and European Commission requirements, allowing all organisations (or consortiums) with the appropriate technical, financial and manufacturing capability to express an interest.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4653; 723 c176WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Railways: Investment
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Written statements
House of Lords
Subjects: EU law Procurement Railways Rolling stock
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk