HC Deb 20 December 1990 vol 183 cc282-3W
Mrs. Margaret Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of the effect of the closure of the Speedlink rail freight service on the number of lorry loads per day on Scotland's road network.

Mr. Freeman

British Rail is still in discussion with customers about Speedlink traffic following its announcement last week that the Speedlink network will close in July 1991. In Scotland, BR expects to retain up to half of the domestic freigh carried by Speedlink, and BR currently estimates that the maximum effect will be no more than 150 extra lorryloads a day on Scotland's roads.

Mrs. Margaret Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research was carried out into the effect which the cessation of the Speedlink service would have on employment in Scotland, and in particular within the Highlands and Islands; and if he will place full details of research in the Library.

Mr. Freeman

British Rail currently employs about 250 people in Scotland specifically on Speedlink traffic, and expects to deploy many of them to other work, including alternative trainload services. British Rail is still in discussion with customers about their Speedlink traffic and the effects on employment by BR customers, road hauliers and others cannot be assessed at present.

Mrs. Margaret Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research was carried out into the effect which the cessation of the speedlink service would have upon the timber industry in Scotland; and if he will place full details of any such research in the Library.

Mr. Freeman

British Rail is still in discussion with timber industry customers about their speedlink traffic, but BR currently understands that alternative transport arrangements will be made by the timber industry for any traffic not retained on rail.

Mrs. Margaret Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will disclose the findings of any research carried out into the effect which the impending cessation of British Rail speedlink service may have upon the volume of freight traffic on the road network; and if he will place full details of any such research in the Library.

Mr. Freeman

BR currently estimates that the maximum increase in road freight will be 1.5 million tonnes—equivalent to some 0.06 per cent. of total United Kingdom freight.