§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to amend the criteria for section 8 payments for developing private sidings and rail schemes by(a) broadening the environmental criteria referred to to include motorways and trunk-roads and take account of congestion, (b) increasing the lorry sensitive mile value,(c) reducing the minimum qualifying period for asset use(d) the widening of the scheme to include intermodal operations.
§ Mr. FreemanThe criteria for the payment of freight facilities grants were broadened last year and we are continuing to keep their effectiveness under review. The grants scheme will require amendment in due course to reflect the privatisation and liberalisation of rail freight.
Combined transport operations are eligible for grant.