STATE OF THE RAIL FREIGHT INDUSTRY

That this House condemns DB Schenker's decision to close Trafford Park and Falkland rail freight depots; regards this as a body blow to the rail freight industry which will have damaging economic and environmental consequences; considers the rail freight industry to be in crisis; joins with the rail unions in deploring the absence of meaningful consultation ahead of these closures and the resulting job cuts; is concerned that such actions run counter to the Government's stated intention to attract more freight off roads and onto the railways; strongly believes that part of the Government's role is to nurture, promote and expand this vital industry; and calls on the Government to hold an urgent inquiry into the rail freight crisis, involving all sides of the industry including the rail unions.