Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with trade unions and representatives from the UK's steel industry on setting targets for the use of British made steel in the construction of HS2.

HS2 Ltd has engaged extensively with the British steel industry over the last five years to ensure that it is in the best position possible to compete for contracts to build Britain’s new high speed rail network. Due to UK procurement law, public bodies such as HS2 Ltd must ensure that all procurement activity is carried out on a fair, equal and transparent basis and does not discriminate on the basis of location.

However, the Department are very keen that UK steel is used in the construction of HS2 where practicable. HS2’s engagement with the sector has resulted, to date, in 28 of the 29 reinforcement fabrication contracts at Tier 3 level being awarded to UK-based companies.