§ 34. Mr. Humphrey Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made by the Hong Kong Government with their plans for the construction of a tunnel between Hong Kong and the mainland.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsThe Hong Kong Government are prospective shareholders in a limited company known as the Cross Harbour Tunnel Company to which they have awarded a franchise for the construction of a tunnel between Hong Kong Island and the mainland. That company, having recently reached agreement in principle with Lloyds Bank on the provision of loan finance, is now proceeding to detailed negotiations with a consortium led by Costain Civil Engineering Limited and hope that the contract will be signed this month.
§ Mr. AtkinsCan the hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the Export Credits Guarantee Department has agreed to underwrite this project? Does he realise that the people of Hong Kong are eagerly waiting for some practical sign like this of the Government's faith in the political future of the Colony?
§ Mr. RobertsIt would be better if the hon. Member were to put down a Question to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.
§ Mr. AtkinsHe will not accept it.
§ Mr. RobertsIn that case I shall bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has said and convey it with due force to my right hon. Friend.