Bus Manufacturing 2024-05-16
2024-05-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the support for UK bus manufacturers.
What steps are being taken to support the bus manufacturing industry in the UK? The UK Government could do more, as Mick Whelan of ASLEF noted that other countries prioritize their own industries in transport contracts. Why does the UK continue to rely on Chinese imports and not implement similar procurement policies?
UK bus manufacturers have benefited from Government funding for decarbonisation. Over 5,200 buses have been funded since February 2020 with £460 million in ZEBRA funding. UK manufacturers are competitive and the Trade Remedies Authority investigates unfair competition.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about implementing procurement policies similar to Germany and Italy was not addressed directly.
Working With Industry
Competitive
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the reliance on Chinese imports and lack of industrial strategy for UK bus manufacturers.
Operators and local authorities are preparing to procure Chinese-built buses due to cost pressures, despite UK manufacturers being ready for a green revolution. What will be done to back British bus manufacturers and secure their role in decarbonisation?
The Trade Remedies Authority investigates unfair competition with subsidised imports. UK Export Finance supports Wrightbus with £76 million for exports. The Government supports businesses through the Advanced Propulsion Centre and UK Export Finance.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about setting out a full industrial strategy was not directly addressed.
Fair Competition
Confidence In British Industry
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of cheap imports on UK bus manufacturers as operators decarbonise their fleets.
Operators are procuring Chinese-built buses due to cost pressures, while UK manufacturers are ready for a green revolution. What will be done to back British bus manufacturers and secure their role in this green revolution?
Local authorities can include social value in tenders, but specific commitments to buy from certain provisions are not allowed. The Trade Remedies Authority investigates unfair competition with subsidised imports.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about conducting a cross-Government review was entirely avoided.
Local Authorities
Trade Remedies Authority
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the ZEBRA scheme's failure and its impact on UK bus manufacturers.
Unlike SULEBS and ScotZEB, the ZEBRA scheme has been a failure. Will the Secretary of State consider conducting a cross-Government review to prioritize domestic manufacturing within existing legal frameworks?
Local authorities can include social value in tenders, but specific commitments to buy from certain provisions are not allowed. The Trade Remedies Authority investigates unfair competition with subsidised imports.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about conducting a cross-Government review was entirely avoided.
Local Authorities
Trade Remedies Authority
Response accuracy