§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on rail freight of the introduction of 44-tonne lorries. [59690]
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§ Ms Glenda Jackson44 tonne lorries have been allowed in the UK for combined road/rail transport in the UK since 1994. A Department of Transport survey in 1995 showed that over 50 per cent. of the laden journeys to or from Channel Tunnel rail freight terminals by vehicles licensed to operate at 44 tonnes were at weights over 38 tonnes.
We announced in the White Paper "A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone" that the Commission for Integrated Transport will be asked to consider the case for allowing 44 tonne lorries, on 6 axles, for general use. Their consideration will take into account the potential effects on rail freight.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the average cost of moving freight per kilometre by(a) road, (b) rail and (c) air. [59692]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe information requested is not available.