HC Deb 18 May 1953 vol 515 cc1682-3
36. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Transport what action he proposes to take on the representations recently received from the Essex and Kent County Councils on building the Dartford-Purfleet tunnel.

Mr. Braithwaite

We have not received any recent representations from the county councils, but in present economic and financial circumstances I cannot say when work on the tunnel can be resumed.

Mr. Parker

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the strong strategic, as well as industrial, reasons for such a tunnel?

Mr. Braithwaite

All those factors are borne in mind, as is also the factor that the present cost of building it would be £7 million.

Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

Would the hon. Gentleman view more sympathetically the construction of a tunnel under the Channel to France?