Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail, (a) when he plans to set a growth target for rail freight; (b) how that target will be determined; and (c) whether he plans to consult ahead of developing that target.

The Government is setting up a Rail Transformation Programme within the Department for Transport and working with the rail sector to ensure a common understanding of the vision, establish the phases of delivery, and work collectively with the sector to design and implement this major project.

Following the publication of the White Paper, we are commencing detailed engagement and consultation across the industry, including the freight sector so we can deliver the Government’s commitment to the rail freight industry and maximise the environmental and economic benefits that rail freight delivers.