§ Richard BurdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make representations to the European Commission about the method of procurement of railway rolling stock by the(a) Spanish, (b) French and (c) Italian Governments. [121990]
§ Mr. McNultyI have been asked to reply.
Rolling stock procurement in Spain, France and Italy is subject to the same EU rules as apply to the United Kingdom and other member states.
§ Richard BurdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has made to Alston about the impact on jobs in the UK of its decision to manufacture London tube trains in France or Spain; and what response she has had. [121991]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry met Alstom officials in May this year when they discussed the company's general restructuring plans. The decision to re-structure the Washwood Heath plant is a commercial one for the company and forms part of its global restructuring exercise. I fully understand that any job losses will be a blow to the individuals affected. Officials and regional teams will meet company representatives to discuss the re-structuring and work with local agencies and partners to develop a plan for responding to the changes.