Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what are the (1) terms of reference, and (2) scope of work, of the UK bus manufacturing expert panel.

The UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel’s terms of reference sets out the purpose, membership and function of the Panel. These were shared with Panel members. I will share a copy of the terms of reference with the noble Baroness and make a copy available in the House Library.

The Panel will bring together industry experts and local leaders to explore ways to ensure the UK remains a leader in bus manufacturing.

Membership comprises two classifications: Standing Members and Additional Members. Standing Members include Government departments and wider industry bodies. Bus manufacturers, operators and mayoral combined authorities are invited as Additional Members.

The scope and function of the Panel is shaped by its three central objectives: support the growth of the UK bus manufacturing sector, understand the pipeline of future bus orders to support planning, and explore ways to prioritise passenger-centric bus design.