§ 16. Mr. SutcliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he intends to take to increase freight traffic on the rail system. [24733]
§ 21. Mr. BrazierTo ask Secretary of State for Transport what plans the Government have to increase rail freight. [24738]
§ Sir George YoungPrivatisation and liberalisation are essential if rail is to attract and retain freight customers. British Rail's trainload freight subsidiaries and rail express systems have been sold; final bids for Freightliner are being evaluated. Two companies have set up own-account rail freight operations using powers in the Railways Act 1993. We continue to provide targeted support for the industry through the two freight grant schemes.