§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what specific targets have been set by his Department to modify the rail infrastructure to ensure that continental gauge freight traffic can be transported through the United Kingdom rail network; and if he will make a statement on the progress to date.
§ Mr. FreemanBritish Rail is currently upgrading its lines between the channel tunnel and nine regional freight terminals. This work will enable over 90 per cent of European containers and all standard European swap-bodies to be carried between the tunnel and the regional terminals.
The Department has recently produced a paper "Moving Freight By Rail: Loading Gauge" which sets out the practical and other problems associated with further upgrading. Copies are available in the House Library.