8. Mr. Robert AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to support the introduction of a lorry piggyback rail system between the channel tunnel and the midlands.
§ Mr. FreemanThe proposal to build a piggyback freight railway from the midlands to the channel tunnel is being put forward by a private sector group. It is for them to seek planning permission and finance. The Government have not been asked to assist the project. More generally, we welcome in principle any worthwhile proposal to ship more freight by rail, either conventional containers or the whole lorry trailer and load.