AS THE Christmas holidays approach, an announcement is still awaited about the Thameslink rolling stock competition, in which Derby-based Bombardier lost out to Siemens.
Siemens was named preferred bidder in June 2011, but the frequently-predicted confirmation has been repeatedly postponed.
However, the Government is still insisting that it is on course to finally sign the £1.4bn deal for some 1,100 vehicles within weeks, and has denied that its handling of the Thameslink contract has been affected in any way by the collapse of the West Coast franchise competition.
In a series of written answers in the House of Commons yesterday, transport minister Simon Burns said: "The original date for awarding the contract, as indicated in the Invitation to Tender document of 27 November 2008, was March 2010. We expect the contract to be complete early in the new year.
"We remain confident of reaching financial close with Siemens. If it were not possible to reach financial close with Siemens, we would not automatically award the Thameslink rolling stock contract to Bombardier. However, Bombardier remain reserve bidder.
"The Thameslink rolling stock is a very significant investment. Given the size of the transaction detailed discussions to conclude the commercial documentation have taken place, with the Department protecting its commercial position accordingly."
The answers came in response to several questions from Derby North MP Chris Williamson.