§ Mr. Snapeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many applications have been received to date for the installation of private sidings under Section 8 of the Railways Act 1974;
(2) what is the total expenditure to date under Section 8 of the Railways Act 1974.
§ Mr. Mulley:Details of the arrangements for administering the grant were announced on 19th February. About 40 companies are currently involved in the first stage in the procedure; that is planning schemes with British Rail or Freightliners Limited. The development of this type of scheme inevitably takes time. So far, two schemes have reached the stage of formal application for grant. No expenditure has yet been incurred.