Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to increase the amount of UK-made steel that will be used in planned rail infrastructure projects and the general maintenance of the rail network.

The Department is working closely with the UK steel industry to ensure UK manufacturers and fabricators have clear visibility of future opportunities to supply our major rail infrastructure projects and understand how they can bid for future work. Cabinet Office issued updated procurement policy guidance in 2016 for central government departments on how to ensure a level playing field for UK steel producers when conducting procurement activities. This guidance has been fully adopted by DfT for all in scope projects.