HL Deb 03 February 1997 vol 577 c134WA
Lord Clinton-Davis

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that it is desirable to encourage more domestic freight to be carried by coastal shipping, not least for environmental reasons, and what steps they are taking to achieve that objective.

Viscount Goschen

We encourage industry to consider the benefits of using shipping as an alternative to road transport where this is feasible. It must be for industry to determine whether water can provide both a practical means to their transport needs and one which makes good commercial sense.

Freight facilities grants are available for inland waterway capital developments which can demonstrate environmental benefits through saving lorry miles.