Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what regulatory powers the Office of Rail and Road has to ensure that rail franchises deliver the greatest benefit to the UK economy through rolling stock contracts.

Rolling stock procurement is undertaken through fair and open competition, usually by train operators as part of their franchise commitments. It is a matter for train operators, in awarding their own rolling stock contracts, to ensure they are compliant with any applicable procurement legislation. Neither the Department nor the Office of Rail and Road has statutory or regulatory powers in relation to the procurement process.