HC Deb 11 November 1969 vol 791 cc162-4
18. Mr. Sheldon

asked the Minister of Transport what further examination he has given to a cross-Channel link.

Mr. Mulley

The final period of technical, commercial and economic studies of the Channel Tunnel will begin when the British and French Governments have received from private interests an acceptable scheme for its finance and construction.

Discussions with the prospective financing groups have continued and their revised proposals are awaited.

Mr. Sheldon

I understand the obvious reluctance of private industry to come forward with the money required, but when does my right hon. Friend intend to publish the correct and revised figures for the1963 White Paper?

Mr. Mulley

I am not aware that there is any need to publish new statistics. Obviously, the important studies which will bring the thing up to date will not start until an acceptable scheme for financing the construction has been agreed with the interests concerned. When these studies begin, it will of course be desirable and necessary to keep the House fully informed.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

Will the Minister agree that his predecessor continually referred to the changing facts which are available supporting the cross-Channel tunnel, and that it is worth while that these figures should be published before decisions are taken, so that worth-while public examination of those figures can take place before conclusions are drawn?

Mr. Mulley

It is clear that no final decision can be taken whether or not to build a tunnel until the two-year final study has been concluded. That study has not yet begun, and in any event the approval of Parliament will be required for the necessary legislation.

Mr. Costain

Is the Minister aware how disappointed my constituents will be with that reply? Does he realise the planning blight which is taking place because we cannot get a decision about this important project?

Mr. Mulley

As was made clear, the position is that both the British and the French Governments confirmed their intention to go ahead with a rail tunnel project subject to acceptable financing terms and, of course, the outcome of these studies, which we agreed would have to take place with the French Government. Unfortunately, all these large and impor- tant issues take time and it is more difficult when it has to be done not purely as a national decision but jointly with an other Governement.

Mr. Paget

Is this not another example of international co-operation which is shaping up to be a money spinner comparable only with the Concorde?

Mr. Mulley

I do not think that it is for me to comment on the Concorde. It is some years since I had responsibility in that connection. But certainly it is because of the importance of satisfying ourselves and the House on the financial and economic aspects of the proposed tunnel that we want to have the final studies in the light of the prospective proposals which we hope to get shortly from the groups concerned.