§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the estimated environmental benefit is in increasing the volume of rail freight traffic by(a) 10 per cent., (b) 20 per cent., (c) 30 per cent., (d) 40 per cent., (e) 50 per cent. and (f) 60 per cent. by 2010–11. [49705]
§ Mr. ByersThe environmental effect will vary depending on how the increase in the volume of rail freight traffic is achieved. An increase in rail freight will, in general, cause an increase in emissions from the rail sector. However, to the extent that this is achieved through modal shift there will be some offsetting benefits, reducing the impact of transport on the environment.