§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport to what extent his Department will be involved in future decisions about the development of the strategic rail network, with special reference to the use of the Tonbridge-Redhill-Clapham route for freight between London and the channel tunnel and the upgrading of the west coast main line to accommodate piggyback traffic. [1049]
§ Mr. WattsOnce Railfreight Distribution—the channel tunnel freight business—is in the private sector, the privatisation of BR's freight operations will have been completed and it will be for Railtrack, in consultation with the freight train operating companies, to weigh up the opportunities for further investment in the network. The Government will continue to consider applications for freight grants on their merits, including any related to piggyback traffic. Decisions on future investment in the network south of London to accommodate channel tunnel freight trains will be a matter for Railtrack and the new owners of RFD.