§ 61. Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the Prime Minister whether, from the point of view of relieving unemployment, as well as increasing transport facilities between this country and the Continent, he will take up with France the question of the construction of the Channel Tunnel?
§ 73. Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the prevailing condition of unemployment and the great volume of work which would be provided, both directly and indirectly, he can now state the decision of the Government with respect to the Channel Tunnel?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir. No decision has yet been taken, and I am not at present prepared to consider this question.
§ Viscount CURZONHas not this question been under consideration for the past three years, and can the right hon. Gentleman say when something is going to be done?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI know that it has been under consideration for a very long time, but I do not think the present financial condition of the country warrants it. The amount involved will be very small indeed.
§ Viscount CURZONIs it not a fact that the money required for the construction of this tunnel was put up entirely by private enterprise?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYWhen the Government is looking for a solution of the unemployment problem, will they take into account the amount of work that could be provided by the construction of a tunnel to New Zealand?