HC Deb 31 January 1994 vol 236 c505W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out his plans and targets for increasing the amount of(a) rail freight and (b) coastal shipping over the next five years.

Mr. Freeman

The choice of transport mode for moving freight is primarily a commercial matter. However, we encourage freight users to consider the merits of rail and water as an alternative to road where this is practical. As part of that commitment, we have announced measures, to be introduced shortly, which will assist rail—Hansard, 2 February 1993, columns 164–65—and shipping—Hansard, 15 December 1993, columns 698–99—and we will monitor their progress closely.