Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what consideration his Department has given to investment strategies for (a) Wiltshire and (b) other rural areas which do not fall within the catchment areas of (i) large cities and (ii) mayoral combined authorities.

The Office for Investment is aligned with the UK's Industrial Strategy, focusing on growth-driving and foundational sectors. The OfI will actively pursue and manage investment projects that support national growth missions and infrastructure strategies, across the UK and will support rural areas such as Wiltshire. I am delighted that Siemens Mobility is moving ahead with its £100 million investment in a rail infrastructure, digital engineering, and R&D facility after receiving Wiltshire County Council planning permission. Furthermore, German defence technology company, STARK, is opening a 40,000sq ft factory in Swindon, Wiltshire, producing military drones for NATO, creating over 100 skilled jobs.