§ 5. Mr. Foxasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in the planning and negotiations on the Channel Tunnel project: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeytonFollowing the Anglo-French agreements last March, the joint private group with whom the two Governments are pursuing the tunnel project have put in hand final studies. These are going well. The group will be reporting in the first half of next year, by which time I hope that negotiations covering further stages will have been successfully concluded.
§ Mr. FoxIs my right hon. Friend aware that his Answer will give pleasure particularly to those of us who intend tomorrow night to vote in favour of the terms as negotiated for entry to the E.E.C.? However, will he give an assurance that the complementary road links which are vital to this scheme will be borne in mind?
§ Mr. PeytonYes. My hon. Friend's question gives me particular pleasure.
§ Mr. CrouchIs my right hon. Friend aware that many people in the South-East of England, particularly in Kent, are not against the Channel Tunnel project but are very concerned that the environmental questions should be carefully watched and controlled if and when the tunnel is built?
§ Mr. PeytonI am much obliged to my hon. Friend for the moderation of his comments. I fully appreciate the embarrassments and difficulties for his constituents in this matter. I give him the assurance for which he has asked.