§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his actions in relation to the Office of Fair Trading, Rail Equipment Investment, the Atlas steel foundry in Armadale and William Cook plc in the light of the debate on 23 March.
§ Mr. PortilloI understand that the Director General of Fair Trading is considering, in the normal way, what advice he should give in this case. The action to be taken in the light of that advice will be a matter for the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. The procurement of equipment for British Rail is a matter for the board, which requires that it be obtained from an approved foundry, whether in this country or elsewhere.