§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he is taking to reduce the amount of freight carried by road.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe volume of freight carried by road is a reflection of the lorry's flexibility in terms of goods carried, destinations reached and the timing and planning of journeys. It is for Government to ensure that fair conditions for competition exist between the different modes of transport; but customers must then be free to choose for themselves. Where the transfer of goods from road to rail or inland waterway is shown to provide clear and worthwhile environmental benefits, grants may be paid.