§ 49. Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the change in the levels of rail freight since 1993. [39555]
§ Dr. StrangOver the last decade the trend for freight carried by rail has been one of decline, largely reflecting the fall in coal traffic. This is also generally true of the levels of rail freight since 1993 although post-privatisation figures are calculated slightly differently from those under 317W British Rail. However, last year's figures indicate a small but welcome increase from those of 1996–97, having stabilised at around 26 million tonnes per quarter. We will continue to encourage more freight on to the railways as part of promoting our integrated transport strategy.