Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the level of work orders necessary to ensure the retention of a skilled work force in the railway supply chain.

In formulating plans for the next Control Period, the Transport Secretary has looked to balance a wide range of factors, including supply chain capability. In line with the Industrial Strategy, the Transport Secretary expects our investment in the railway to facilitate the development of a more innovative, productive and globally competitive domestic supply chain, leaving a lasting legacy.