Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions (1) ministers, and (2) officials, have had with the Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission regarding rail freight.

Ministers and officials meet with a range of stakeholders, including the Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, on a regular basis to discuss a variety of issues.

At the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a new National Infrastructure Commission study on the future of freight. The study’s Terms of Reference asks the Commission to consult widely with relevant experts, including the Department for Transport, Network Rail and the rail freight industry. Department for Transport officials have begun engaging with the National Infrastructure Commission on the study and will continue to do so throughout the process.