§ Helen JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to encourage the development of new rail routes for freight transport. [59223]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe freight grants scheme is designed to assist companies in moving goods from road to rail where payment is justified by the environmental benefits. We overhauled the grants scheme on coming to office; we doubled the grant spend in our first year to £30 million; we have increased the budget to £40 million for the current year, of which £32 million is already committed; and we will make still further money available over the next three years, if there is demand.