Intercity Express: Consultants

Norman Baker
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much her Department has spent to date on consultants on the specification for the new Intercity Express programme; and for what reason this matter was not deemed to be one for the rolling stock companies.

Mr. Tom Harris
The Department for Transport has spent £7.9 million on the project since 2005. The Department has taken the lead in developing the specification to ensure we achieve maximum benefits for passengers and value for money for taxpayers for what is expected to be one of the largest rolling stock orders ever placed in the UK.

The procurement process for the new train was open to all interested parties within the industry, including rolling stock companies. Tenders are due to be returned in May.