HC Deb 08 February 1940 vol 357 cc400-1
46. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the announcement made by M. de Monzie, French Minister of Public Works, in the French Chamber in December, that the construction of a Channel Tunnel would be one of the first public works to be undertaken after the war; and what assurance of British co-operation has been given?

The Prime Minister

I have seen a brief report of Monsieur de Monzie's speech on 13th December in the course of the Debate on the Budget in the French Chamber of Deputies. According to this report, Monsieur de Monzie did not announce the construction of a Channel Tunnel after the war, although he suggested that this project was among the large-scale undertakings which it would be right to consider after the war. In regard to the last part of the Question, no assurances of British co-operation in respect of this project have been given.

Mr. Mander

In view of the importance which is attached by the French Government to this matter, will the British Government enter into discussion on the subject?

The Prime Minister

We have not been invited to do so.

Mr. Thurtle

If the Government are invited will they go into it?

The Prime Minister

Certainly.

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