What a pleasure it is to serve under your chairmanship today in Westminster Hall, Sir Edward. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for South Leicestershire (Alberto Costa) for securing this important debate on proposals for the Hinckley national rail freight interchange, which is currently at pre-application stage. I appreciate the contributions of my hon. Friends and encourage them to engage in the formal DCO process to ensure their views are considered. The Government recognise the benefits of rail freight in reducing carbon emissions and supporting economic growth. On average, a rail freight train emits around a quarter of the carbon dioxide emissions of a heavy goods vehicle per tonne per kilometre travelled. Rail freight provides £2.5 billion in economic and social benefits to the country annually, with 90% accruing outside London and the southeast. The Government are committed to supporting rail freight growth through various measures including an investment of £235 million in improving capacity and capability for rail freight during 2014-2019. Additionally, a freight grant scheme provides £20 million annually, expected to remove the equivalent of 900,000 heavy goods vehicles from roads, saving 52,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Strategic rail freight interchanges (SRFIs) are key to building resilient supply chains. The national networks national policy statement supports an expanded network of SRFIs if they are operationally and commercially viable, with developers needing to comply with statutory requirements for consultation before applications can be accepted by the Planning Inspectorate. Local authorities and communities have the right to be involved during examinations, including setting out their views in written representations. The process includes a six-month examination period by the Planning Inspectorate followed by three months for decision-making by the Secretary of State. If decisions cannot be issued on time, new deadlines will be set through parliamentary statements.