Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of pausing Midland Main Line electrification on rail supply chain companies in the East Midlands.

I am aware that a clear pipeline of infrastructure investment supports the supply chain in planning resources effectively and ensures skilled workers can be retained. While further electrification of the Midland Main Line has been paused, there is still significant investment being made in rail. The Spending Review has ensured an affordable and credible network-wide programme of works has been established to support the Government’s mission to improve the railway for passengers and freight operators.