§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve the rail network, in the light of recent evidence including that from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd., that the road network is incapable of holding the projected future volume of' traffic.
§ Mr. Portillo[holding answer 20 December 1988]: British Rail is already investing in the railways at the highest rate for 20 years and further increases are planned, but as only 7 per cent. of total passenger kilometres and 13 per cent. of freight tonne kilometres (excluding water and pipelines) are by rail this can have only a limited effect on road traffic.
In view of London's particular problems, we have set up the central London rail study, which is examining ways of relieving congestion in the central areas. I expect to receive the study report shortly.