§ 11. Mr. Roger WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to increase the volume of freight carried on the rail network, with particular reference to changes in funding arrangements. [112577]
§ Mr. DarlingThe Strategic Rail Authority published its "Freight Progress Report" on 8 May. A copy is in the Library.
£54 million of Freight Facilities Grants have been awarded by the Strategic Rail Authority, matched by £31 million of private sector investment, which together keep over 4 million lorry journeys off the roads.
The Strategic Rail Authority plans to reopen the Freight Facility and Track Access Grant schemes in the autumn for spend from April 2004, subject to available funding.