§ 45. Mr. THURTLEasked the Prime Minister if he is yet in a position to make a statement as to the nature of the inquiry into the Channel Tunnel project; and as to when this inquiry will commence?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement shortly.
§ Mr. THURTLECan the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the delay in this matter is not due to any lack of co-operation on the part of the Leaders of the two Opposition parties?
§ Commander BELLAIRSWill the Terms of Reference be sufficiently wide to take into account other projects, such as a train ferry?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think we had better wait until the Prime Minister can make a general announcement on the subject, which will be at the earliest convenient opportunity.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALDWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the first question?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am answering for the Prime Minister, but I have no reason to suppose that the Leaders of the two other parties would put any obstacle in the way of a fair and searching inquiry into a project of such great interest and importance.
§ Mr. THURTLEThen we may assume that whatever delay has occurred is due to the Government?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is much fairer to say that it is due to the care with which the study of a matter of this consequence should be approached.
§ Viscount SANDONHas my right hon. Friend seen a French proposal to make a canal across the Channel?