HC Deb 21 February 1979 vol 963 c224W
54. Mr. Cowans

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to improve the operation of the section 8 provisions of the Railways Act 1974

Mr. Horam

The section 8 grant scheme has been improved by section 16 of the Transport Act 1978 which enables grants to be made for rail wagons. Of the 14 projects approved since the Act came into force, five have included wagon purchase.

British Rail has also launched a rail freight publicity campaign with emphasis on section 8 grants, and I hope that this will encourage the development of many more worthwhile projects to add to the 63 approved so far for grant.