§ 86. Mr. Gerald BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what forecast studies of increased rail freight tonnage, following the opening of the Channel tunnel, his Department has made; whether the proposed rail routes for this traffic will be able to cope with any substantial increase; and to what extent the exporting base of the country in the north will be efficiently served by these routes and thus able to fully compete in the European market.
§ Mr. PortilloIn compliance with section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act, British Rail have to publish before the end of this year their plans for Channel tunnel freight and passenger services. The plans will take into account BR's widespread consultations with national and regional interests and customers. BR is satisfied that the rail network itself is capable of handling the substantial increase in freight traffic that is envisaged, but this report will look at the adequacy of road/rail interchange facilities and the need for improvements in local rail access.