§ 39. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can see his way to inquire of the French Government their present attitude with regard to the Channel tunnel; and, if favourable, will he inquire further as to how far they would be prepared to go to assist in its construction?
§ Mr. McNEILLI must refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by the Prime Minister on the 4th instant. As His Majesty's Government are not at present prepared to consider the question, there is obviously no Advantage in adopting the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ 63. Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister how long the question of the construction of the Channel tunnel has been under consideration; why it is that the Government are not prepared to consider this scheme at present, in view- of the prevailing conditions of unemployment and of the direct employment that approval of this scheme would give to railway, steel, and general workers in particular; whether any application has ever been made to the Government for any direct or indirect assistance from Government sources; whether he is aware that the whole cost of all the works would be borne by the Chemin de Fer du Nord and the South Eastern Fail way; and, in all the circumstances, whether the Government can now come to a decision upon this matter or at least advance adequate reasons for any further delay in view of the condition?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI regret that I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to my Noble Friend on the 4th December.
§ Viscount CURZONAre we to understand that the. matter is still under consideration or that it has been definitely turned down?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not quite sure, but I believe that it was definitely 2357 turned down by the last Government. If it is really the case and can be shown to me that private individuals are ready to start with their own money, I will promise to have it reconsidered.
§ Viscount CURZONIf requested to do so, will the right hon. Gentleman consent to receive a deputation on the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, I think it unnecessary to do BO. The condition which I have laid down is a reasonable one. If reasonable guarantees are given that the money is available, I would have it reconsidered.
§ Captain Viscount CURZONDo I understand my hon. Friend to say the Government are not prepared to consider the question?
§ Mr. McNEILLIf the Noble Lord will refer to the answer to which I referred, given by the Prime Minister, he will see what ho says.
§ Mr. T. P. O'CONNORIs it not a fact that all sections of French opinion have for years declared, not only their readiness, but. their eagerness to have this tunnel established, and are there not—at least I gather so from the papers—private firms both in England and in France who are willing to undertake this job without assistance from the Government of England or of France?
§ Mr. McNEILLReally, I do not think it is possible for me to make any statement with regard to the state of French public opinion.