HC Deb 09 March 1953 vol 512 c834
41. Mr. Teeling

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to ensure that his representatives at the forthcoming conference about the better co-ordination of European transport under the auspices of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation will be supplied with the latest technical information about the feasibility of linking British and European road and rail systems by means of a Channel tunnel.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The purpose of the conference is to study the organisation and regulation of international inland transport. The feasibility of a Channel tunnel is not likely to be discussed.

Mr. Teeling

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the project has been discussed quite recently in Paris, that the French Government are extremely interested in it, that in the last Parliament no fewer than 200 M.P.s put down a Motion to discuss it and that the last time a vote was taken upon it the present Prime Minister voted in favour of it?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

While I have every sympathy with the intentions of my hon. Friend and other hon. Members, if there is a sufficient sum of money available even to contemplate this project, I can think of more worthwhile projects on British roads to which I should like to devote it.