HC Deb 15 April 1993 vol 222 cc695-6W
Mr. Matthew Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what specific criteria he has established for companies seeking grants under section 8 of the Railways Act 1974; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

Applications for freight facilities grants under section 8 of the Railways Act 1974 have to meet both environmental and financial criteria. Applicants have to demonstrate that the provision of rail facilities will result in the traffic in question being moved by rail, rather than over unsuitable roads, and that the proposed facilities could not be justified commercially without assistance.

Mr. Matthew Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many representations he has received following his proposal to sell the British Rail freight business; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

The Department has received a number of expressions of interest in the Government's plans for privatising and liberalising rail freight.

Discussions with interested parties have been on a commercially confidential basis.