§ 27. Mr. Roy HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve the efficiency of rail freight; and what discussions he has had on the subject with the operators. [30144]
§ Mr. WattsThe key to improving the efficiency of rail freight is liberalisation and privatisation. We have already opened up the rail network to competition. The process of privatising British Rail's freight businesses has begun. My right hon. Friend has regular discussions with the British Railways Board and others about the performance of the freight businesses and progress towards privatisation.