HC Deb 04 July 1962 vol 662 cc515-6
10. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Transport when Her Majesty's Government will make a decision on the subject of the Channel tunnel or bridge in view of the possibility of the Common Market negotiations being concluded shortly.

15. Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet come to a decision as to the desirabilty and feasibility of some form of terrestrial link between the United Kingdom and France.

Mr. Marples

The Anglo-French official study of the Channel crossing proposals is making progress; but there are complex problems which must be thoroughly worked out before Governments can reach decisions. I make no promises at this stage about the timing of such decisions.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Will my right hon. Friend make a statement on this matter before we rise for the Summer Recess? The discussions have been going on for more than a year, and the matter must be brought to a head, particularly if we are to enter the Common Market.

Mr. Marples

I am sorry but I think that the real point here is that we must make the right decision and not a speedy decision. There are many complex problems involved in the study, We suggested to the French Government in December, 1960, that we should hold joint discussions on the Channel tunnel proposals. Unfortunately, for many reasons it was not possible to start the discussions until November, 1961. I believe that the House would like a comprehensive study and a conclusion reached after careful consideration rather than a hurried answer which was not the right one.

Mr. Mallalieu

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the intense interest that there is in this imaginative project, and will he state that no unreasonable delay will be allowed by himself and his Ministry?

Mr. Marples

There will be no unreasonable delay on this side of the Channel.

Mr. Mellish

Can we get it on the record that at any rate the Government favour the principle of having a Channel tunnel and that the whole purpose of the discussions is to work out how best this can be achieved? Is that a clear statement of the position or not?

Mr. Marples

I am not going to be drawn into anything at this stage, even by so astute a cross-examiner as the hon. Gentleman. I believe it is better for me to be completely impartial until both French and British Governments have made up their minds and announced their decision. That will be at the earliest possible moment consistent with making a reasonable decision.