Channel Tunnel

HC Deb 08 May 1968 vol 764 cc405-7

26. Mr. Costain

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is yet in a position to announce the location of the termini of the Channel Tunnel; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Marsh

The termini would be in the general area of Folkestone and Calais. My Department is at present consulting local and other interests at official level on the detailed siting of terminal facilities in this country, but there will be more formal consultations before a decision is reached on the proposals to be presented to Parliament.

Mr. Costain

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that until this is settled, it will hold up development in the Folkestone area? Will he do all he can to get an early decision, so that we can get on with our development?

Mr. Marsh

I appreciate the problem, but the hon. Gentleman will recognise that these are important decisions involving consultations. The Bill provides, of course, in Clause 154 for powers to deal with planning blight.

Mr. Crouch

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that, apart from this decision being important from the point of view of the actual termini of the proposed tunnel, the whole question of road strategy in the South-East is held up and that there is a feeling that, in the Ministry's consideration of the volume of road traffic to the Channel ports, Dover and the two new proposed hover ports which are to be built this year are not being given sufficient priority?

Mr. Marsh

This is precisely why one must embark on very exhaustive consultations. These are major decisions and it would be wrong to rush them without proper consultations.

Mr. Peter Walker

Would the right hon. Gentleman confirm that no final decision has yet been taken about proceeding with the tunnel? Will he publish his latest estimates of traffic and revenue for the type of project which is now likely to proceed?

Mr. Marsh

As the hon. Gentleman must be aware, we could not proceed with the tunnel until legislation had gone through the House and the approval of the House had been obtained.

Mr. Ogden

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a very important inter-party group, called the Parliamentary Channel Tunnel Group? In view of its patience over the last 12 months, would he consider meeting the group for an all-party or open meeting so that some of these points can be raised for inter-party discussion?

Mr. Marsh

I am in favour of anything which involves hon. Gentlemen opposite in an understanding of difficult decisions, and I would be prepared to consider such an invitation.

Mr. Deedes

Would the right hon. Gentleman avoid the impression of being surreptitious about this project? In view of the great upheaval which will be caused on this side of the Channel, would he appreciate that we have a right to be told more about it?

Mr. Marsh

I find it difficult to understand what the right hon. Gentleman is complaining about. I have explained where the termini are likely to be. The consultations will take place on this with all the parties involved and there is nothing surreptitious about it. Consultations are going on and as soon as the decisions are reached they will be announced.

Mr. Manuel

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Government are very keen to give the utmost information about the tunnel—[HON. MEMBERS: "Who told you?"] If hon. Members will only wait, I will inform their ignorance. Is my right hon. Friend aware that a new Clause was put down to the Transport Bill with the idea of this matter being settled, but which is receiving nothing but impediments from hon. Gentlemen opposite to avoid discussion?

Mr. Marsh

This is a problem: virtue has a habit of being misunderstood.

Mr. Peter Walker

Would the right hon. Gentleman now answer my previous question—whether or not, apart from Parliamentary approval, the Government have decided definitely to go ahead with the Channel Tunnel? In view of the fact that the figures now available to the House are out-dated, would he publish new ones as soon as possible?

Mr. Marsh

Certainly, at the first possible opportunity, the up-to-date information will be given. The Government's position over the tunnel remains unchanged. Before any such move can be taken to go ahead, it would involve legislation coming before the House.

Mr. Costain

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the question on the Adjournment as soon as possible.