§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the topics he has discussed within the European Community regarding railways in the last three months.
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§ Mr. PortilloAt the meeting of the European Council of Transport Ministers which I attended on 4–5 December, there was a debate on Community railway policy. The Council invited the Commission to set up a working party to look at a high-speed network and the scope for technical harmonisation.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will seek powers to enable him to standardise the height, width and length of British freight wagons with those used on continental railways; and what his Department is doing to develop compatibility.
§ Mr. PortilloNo. Decisions on rolling stock are entirely a matter for British Rail. I understand that BR is planning to use advanced wagon designs for Channel tunnel freight which will make it possible for larger loads than at present to be carried on the existing United Kingdom loading gauge. Despite the difference in loading gauge, large fleets of wagons and containers already run between the United Kingdom and mainland Europe.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has on European Community financial support for railway upgrading(a) in Spain and (b) in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloDuring 1989–90, British Rail has received nearly £21 million in grants from the European regional development fund. Figures for Spain are not available to my Department.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has received from British Rail to convert British freight railways lines to UIC gauge.
§ Mr. PortilloNone. BR plans to use small wheel bogie wagons for Channel tunnel freight. These will be able to carry larger loads on the existing United Kingdom loading gauge and BR considers that they are likely to be more commercially viable than expensive infrastructure modifications.