Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what support the Government has provided to rail component manufacturing companies affected by a reduction in orders as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

My Department is engaging closely with the rail supply industry in order to understand its issues and ensure that it remains robust and able to support the continued provision of essential rail services during these challenging times.

The Chancellor has announced unprecedented support for business, including manufacturing companies in the rail supply chain, to protect them against the current economic emergency. These measures include the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, deferral of VAT payments and £30 billion of government-backed and guaranteed business loans.

In addition, last week the Cabinet Office published new procurement guidance (Procurement Policy Note 04/20) on the Recovery and Transition from Covid. This note builds on recommended measures for supplier relief to ensure service continuity during and after the current COVID-19 outbreak.