§ 35. Mr. Croninasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will make a statement as to the Government's policy on the construction of a Channel Tunnel.
§ Mr. WatkinsonConsideration is now being given as to whether recent developments call for any change in policy.
§ Mr. CroninCan the right hon. Gentleman reassure the House that the Government are fully aware of the enormous economic advantages of this scheme and also that the Government are no longer overawed by the advice given by General Sir Garnet Wolseley in the 1880s?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI do not think that we are particularly overawed by General Wolseley at this stage.
Mr. Gresham CookeIf there is to be a change in policy and we have a Channel tunnel, as many of us hope, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it should have a road section as well as a rail section?
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes, but I must warn my hon. Friend and others interested in this interesting and possibly desirable project that so far no plans have been found feasible for a road tunnel, and a rail tunnel alone would probably cost about £100 million.