Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what parts of the rail industry and contracts are included in the co-operation agreement between the United Kingdom and China announced on 18 June; and whether Chinese companies will be given any priorities in the award of contracts.

The co-operation agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) between the United Kingdom and China signed on 18 June is designed to promote mutual commercial co-operation and business-to-business collaboration in the field of rail transport where this is deemed to be mutually beneficial.

The agreement contains no contracts and reinforces the concept of a fair and level playing field in line with international and domestic law concerning the transparency of public procurement and the supply of products or services.

The United Kingdom remains open to international investment and welcomes suitably qualified companies from other countries, including China, to participate in our rail market. Companies from China, or any other country, will not receive any priority in the award of contracts and the expanding railway market in China represents a significant opportunity for the United Kingdom to export its wealth of experience and expertise in this area.