Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Bus Manufacturing

Thursday 16 May 2024 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government funding has supported UK bus manufacturers with over 460 million for decarbonisation since February 2020.
  • UK Export Finance provides 76 million to Wrightbus to support its export efforts.
  • Local authorities can include social value in tender processes but cannot commit to buying from specific provisions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alan Brown SNP
Transport Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the support for UK bus manufacturers.

Question

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?

Answer from Mark Harper

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about implementing procurement policies similar to Germany and Italy was not addressed directly.

How: Working With Industry, Competitive

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Q2 Alan Brown SNP
Transport Energy Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the reliance on Chinese imports and lack of industrial strategy for UK bus manufacturers.

Question

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?

Answer from Mark Harper

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about setting out a full industrial strategy was not directly addressed.

How: Fair Competition, Confidence In British Industry

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Q3 Simon Lightwood Labour (Co-op) Wakefield and Rothwell
Transport Energy Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of cheap imports on UK bus manufacturers as operators decarbonise their fleets.

Question

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?

Answer from Mark Harper

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.

Not addressed: The question about conducting a cross-Government review was entirely avoided.

How: Local Authorities, Trade Remedies Authority

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Q4 Gavin Newlands SNP
Transport Business & Trade Local Government
Context

The MP is concerned about the ZEBRA scheme's failure and its impact on UK bus manufacturers.

Question

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?

Answer from Mark Harper

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.

Not addressed: The question about conducting a cross-Government review was entirely avoided.

How: Local Authorities, Trade Remedies Authority

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