Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of electrifying the branch between London Gateway and Thames Haven Junction on (a) the efficiency, (b) the reliability and (c) the reduction in emissions of freights.

Initial assessments do indicate that electrifying the branch between London Gateway and Thames Haven Junction would improve the efficiency and reliability of rail freight while reducing emissions. We will continue to work closely with Network Rail and other industry partners in assessing the viability and affordability of this proposal.