MR. BROMLEY DAVENPORTasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, considering the fact that operations are being rapidly carried on for the construction of the proposed Channel Tunnel, Her Majesty's Government have any power to restrain such operations pending the decision of Parliament on the subject; and, if so, whether they are prepared to exercise it?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I understand that the operations in connection with 751 the Channel Tunnel have not reached the point below low-water mark at which any question can be raised. I understand that when they have reached to below low-water mark they will come under the control of the Crown, at least as long as they are within the three-mile territorial limit. At present they are between high and low-water mark, and I am not sure that they are under the control of the Crown. That is a question which is being contested between the Crown and the Company, the Company contending that they have purchased the title from the owner of the foreshore. I apprehend it is obvious that, under these circumstances, the Company proceeds at its own risk.