Member

It is a misconception that freight does not mind when it goes or where it is going. It does not always mind when it goes, whereas passengers are much more important and they do mind, as we have been debating. But we have to have some assurance in the legislation that customers can get a train path that they believe they need, within reason, and if not, that there is an appeal mechanism. That is why the role of the ORR is so vital. I hope my noble friend will be able to explain that this is going to be all right on the night and that this company in Cornwall at least can run trains when it wants and at a reasonable price; that is another issue which may end up with the ORR. It is very important that we look at the different demands of customers, whether they are passenger customers or freight customers, and try to make sure that their priorities are looked after independently. I support these amendments and shall be coming back on some of the other ones.