HC Deb 17 February 1995 vol 254 cc876-7W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (i) what grants are available for rail freight infrastructure development in Wales; and how much was given for each year since 1990; (ii) what incentives are currently offered for freight users to use rail as opposed to road transportation.

Mr. Redwood

The freight facilities grant scheme provides financial assistance towards the cost of providing rail freight facilities. This is an environmental grant available from the Welsh Office to encourage firms to take heavy lorries off the roads. Grant assistance of up to 50 per cent. of the capital costs of rail freight equipment is available although schemes of exceptional environmental benefit may attract a higher rate. The amount of grant paid since 1990 is as follows:

£ million
1990–91 nil
1991–92 nil
1992–93 0.4
1993–94 0.7
1994–95 1.6

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if stone may be transported from the Tonfanau quarry into England by train using the Cambrian line; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Redwood

I understand from the railway operators that while it is technically feasible to transport stone on the line, the track will not bear high axle weights and loading figures would be poor.

Rail sidings which would also be required may be eligible for assistance under the Department's rail freight facilities grant scheme.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action has been taken to employ load-spreading techniques on trains and tracks in Wales since 1990.

Mr. Redwood

I understand that British Rail has not used such techniques.

I hope that the privatised freight companies will consider all technologies which will enable them to expand the opportunities for attracting more freight off the roads.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals or plans he has to improve rail freight services in Wales.

Mr. Redwood

Freight services in Wales will benefit by measures provided for under the Railways Act 1993. These include improved rail freight grants, the transfer of freight services to the private sector and open access to the network for private operators. In addition, the Welsh Development Agency has been asked to consider providing a rail freight option at industrial estates, wherever practicable.