§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to include in the criteria for public contribution to railways costs the social and environmental benefits of attracting traffic to rail from road.
§ Mr. WattsIt is already the Government's policy to subsidise loss-making passenger services, because they perform a valuable social service. Grants are also available to the rail freight sector to encourage a switch from road to rail in recognition of environmental and other benefits.