HC Deb 09 December 1969 vol 793 cc211-2
4. Mr. Clark Hutchison

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet received the proposals of the interests concerned and whether he will now publish the up-to-date financial calculations with regard to the building of the Channel Tunnel; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of Transport (Mr. Frederick Mulley)

Discussions with the prospective financing groups are still continuing. When their proposals have been received and a scheme for the finance and construction of the Tunnel has been agreed with the British and French Governments, I will consider with my French colleague the need for a joint release of information about it.

Mr. Clark Hutchison

Does not the Minister understand that this is a madly expensive project, years out of date, and that putting vehicles on flat railway cars is very clumsy? Would not it be better to concentrate our resources on roll-on/roll-off and on hovercraft and other modern inventions with export possibilities?

Mr. Mulley

The purpose of the discussions with the financial groups is to go into the financial aspect of the proposal and, as I have said before, there will be final studies before any final decision is taken. While I know that a certain view is held about other alternative means, our considered view is that the tunnel is still worth while, despite these other suggested improvements.

Mr. Costain

Is the Minister aware that in France people are not talking about whether the Channel Tunnel is built but the date of the opening? Will the Minister make it clear that the Government are not prepared to go on with it until these financial surveys have been produced, and will he hurry with them?

Mr. Mulley

Speed depends largely on the groups making the financial proposals. I have already made clear in this House, and the French Government have made clear in France, that no final decision has been or can be taken until these further studies are completed.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

Does the Minister understand that the detailed updating of the financial and factual trade evidence cannot take place until he has given the go ahead and that, even then, there will be a further delay of two years before the final decision is taken? This is all being held up because the Minister will not give the initial financial decision.

Mr. Mulley

If the hon. Gentleman did his homework more thoroughly, he would know that until the financial groups come forward with their proposals there is no further step that I can take.