§ Sir John StanleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) with which parties his Department has been having discussions on a Euro-gauge freight rail system from the Channel Tunnel to Scotland; [56310]
(2) what is his policy towards the proposed piggy-back rail-freight scheme; and if he will make a statement. [56312]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonFor some months, Railtrack has been working on an application for grant assistance for a major rail freight upgrade. In drawing up its application the company has had lengthy discussions with my officials. We expect to receive a grant application shortly. It will be treated on its merits.
§ Sir John StanleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy towards the proposed central railway rail-freight scheme; and if he will make a statement. [56311]
§ Dr. ReidMinisters have seen only the consultation documents which Central Railway has recently issued. The Government have therefore not taken a view on the scheme.
§ Sir John StanleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) by what year he estimates on present projections the Channel Tunnel's rail-freight carrying capacity will be fully utilised; [56313]
(2) by what percentage he estimates the volume of rail-freight going through the Channel Tunnel would be increased if the Channel Tunnel's rail-freight capacity was fully utilised. [56314]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonEnglish Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) acquired the Railfreight Distribution business from the BR Board in 1997 and now operates freight services through the Tunnel. EWS estimates that, given the current mix of Eurostar, Le Shuttle and freight trains, the share of Eurotunnel capacity allocated to the national railways for freight trans will be fully utilised in ten years. The company also estimates that at that point in time, volumes will have more than doubled.