§ Ms QuinTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the implementation of his Department's policy of transferring freight from road and rail since its introduction.
§ Dr. MawhinneyRail must improve its performance if it is to attract and retain freight customers. The key to this is liberalisation and privatisation. We have already opened up the rail network to competition. Privatisation of British Rail's freight businesses will follow as soon as possible. Rail freight is being further encouraged by a considerably enhanced grants regime and a 44 tonnes weight concession for lorries engaged in combined road and rail transport.