asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether their approval is required for any orders for new railway rolling stock; and [HL2737]

Whether their approval is required for any transfers of rolling stock between train operating companies. [HL2738]

Proposals to acquire or transfer rolling stock are welcome, provided the train operators concerned are willing to fund them. The Government do, however, need to be sure that appropriate contractual provisions are in place to ensure that services can be maintained in the event of franchise termination. Proposed arrangements of this sort are therefore subject to approval by the Department for Transport.