§ 27. Sir ARTHUR FELLasked the Prime Minister if the Government has now considered the Report of the military, naval, and air departments on the question of the Channel Tunnel; if he can state the decision of the Government; and if they will support the Bill for the construction of the tunnel so that it may have an opportunity of passing this Session?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI very much regret that the Government has not yet had time to come to a decision on this matter, which requires most careful investigation.
§ Sir A. FELLDoes the right hon. Gentleman remember that he agreed, when we met him in Downing Street, that the matter was urgent, and said that the Government would give an early decision? We expected that decision before Christmas, but it is now nearly Easter.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI had some hope of being able to announce the decision in time—should it be favourable 2366 —to enable the companies to give the necessary notices. But that could not be done, and there is not, therefore, the same urgency.
§ Sir A. FELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the two great railway companies—the British and the French— are awaiting the decision with the greatest anxiety?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI fully realise that. But this is a question of the policy of the country, and it is important from the point of view of the security of the country. The decision, therefore, cannot be hurried.