§ 53. Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONEasked the Prime Minister what action His Majesty's Government intends to take concerning the Channel tunnel?
§ 56 and 57. Mr. LOUIS SMITHasked the Prime Minister (1) whether, in view of the favourable nature of the report of the Channel Tunnel Committee, he will cause negotiations to be commenced at an early date with the French Government, with a view to settling the necessary legal and administrative questions on which agreement must be reached before the construction of the tunnel can be begun;
(2) whether the Channel Tunnel Report has yet been submitted to the Committee of Imperial Defence; and whether, in the event of their report being not unfavourable, he will take the necessary steps to ensure that the work of construction shall be commenced at the earliest possible date?
§ The PRIME MINISTERHis Majesty's Government is at present studying the report. The observations of the Committee of Imperial Defence will, of course, be asked for. So soon as a decision is reached, it will be communicated to the House.
§ Mr. MALONEWill the Government, when referring this matter to the Committee of Imperial Defence, also remind them of the existence of the Kellogg Pact?
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs the right hon. Gentleman going to carry out the undertaking given by his predecessor, that, after the economic aspects had been inquired into, if they were satisfactory, there would be an inquiry into the political and strategic aspects?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAll I can say is that the fullest consideration will be given to the subject, in consultation with those who are interested in it and who have to bear the responsibility for any step that His Majesty's Government may take.
§ Mr. SMITHAs so many industrialists in the country are of opinion that the building of this Channel Tunnel is long overdue, having regard to the additional trade that might be done, especially with Southern Europe, will the right hon Gentleman do his utmost to avoid any further delay in the building of the Tunnel?
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSWill the Prime Minister consider the views of the Chambers of Commerce and local authorities of English holiday resorts?
§ Colonel ASHLEYWhether the right hon. Gentleman agrees or not with the report, will he say definitely that the Government will find the money?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe whole matter is under consideration at the present moment. The recommendation of the Committee is that the Government should not find any money for the Tunnel.