§ 2. Mr. Sheldonasked the Minister of Transport what estimate he has made of the average daily number of motor cars expected to use the Channel Tunnel.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Albert Murray)Previous estimates by British 1182 and French officials have indicated that the average daily flow could rise by 1985 to the order of 8,000 accompanied vehicles in both directions combined, and that peak flows in the same year could be of the order of 2,500 per hour in both directions combined. These estimates will be brought up to date in the final studies for the tunnel project.
§ Mr. SheldonI apologise for constantly pressing this matter. Is it not a fact that the figures are now totally out of date? Since this was predicated in 1960 and incorporated in the White Paper of 1963, is it not time to have a fresh assessment made of this matter and to bring the whole scheme up to date?
§ Mr. MurrayI have no doubt that when we reach the point of final studies on the project, the figures will be brought up to date.
§ Mr. CostainDoes the right hon. Gentleman recall the number of letters I have now sent to him from people in my constituency pressing for a decision as they cannot sell their houses because of the Channel Tunnel project?
§ Mr. MurrayNot only do I remember the letters I have received from the hon. Member, but I remember those I have sent in reply to him. This is a much wider question and it will be covered by a later Answer.