§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many diesel engines for rail locomotives were manufactured in the UK in each of the last five years for which figures are available; what action he is taking to encourage passenger and freight operators to invest in UK-manufactured engines, locomotives and rolling stock; and if he will make a statement. [127408]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonAccording to the Office for National Statistics, 103 rail traction diesel or semi-diesel engines were sold in 1996. No data have been published in the remaining years of the five-year period for reasons of commercial confidentiality. No data on production are available.
UK rail passenger and freight operating companies make their own commercial decisions on the purchase and maintenance of rolling stock and locomotives. The same applies to the manufacturers of such vehicles sourcing diesel engines.
DTI is working with the Railway Industries Association on an initiative to improve supply-chain performance within the sector.