HC Deb 07 March 1960 vol 619 cc1-2
1. Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, now that the investigations of the Franco-British group into the practical and economic possibilities of a tunnel under the Channel have been carried out, if he will approach the French Government with a view to facilitating its construction.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd)

The International Group who have commissioned the studies of the Tunnel project have not yet transmitted their report to Her Majesty's Government. We shall have to study it before taking any action.

Mr. Mallalieu

Assuming that this report is favourable, both as to the engineering possibilities and as to the economic prospects, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman assure the House that any action taken by the Government will at least help and not hinder this great project for peace?

Mr. Lloyd

Certainly, I can assure the hon. and learned Member that we shall study the report carefully and bear in mind the point which he has made.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Will the Foreign Secretary assure us that we shall not have the objections on defence grounds which have always been put forward since the 1880's?

Mr. Lloyd

That is certainly a consideration which is present to our minds.