§ 26. Mr. Costainasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he intends to make a statement on the Channel Tunnel feasibility report before the House rises for the Summer Recess.
§ 31. Mr. Sheldonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now make a further statement on the Channel Tunnel.
§ 46. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress of the discussions about the Channel Tunnel.
§ Mr. PeytonNegotiations are continuing. I will make a statement as soon as possible.
§ Mr. CostainDoes my right hon. Friend appreciate that 100 years have elapsed since this was first thought of, that present proposals have been considered for 12 years, and that development is still being held up and awaiting decision? Does he appreciate that the gestation of this tunnel is greater than that of the proverbial elephant? May we have an assurance that he is holding it up to make certain that we do not get a white elephant?
§ Mr. PeytonI am not responsible for the gestation period of tunnels. Perhaps I can remind my hon. Friend of the fact that my responsibility in this matter has been for two years, a comparatively modest period compared with the 100 years to which he referred.
§ Mr. AdleyDid my right hon. Friend see the pictures yesterday of the advanced passenger train emerging from Derby, and is he aware that many people consider that the advanced passenger train and the tunnel combined are a far better investment than Foulness Airport? Is he also aware of the congestion caused by the old-fashioned ferry services from Dover last weekend? Will he lend his great enthusiasm to doing as much as he possibly can to get the tunnel under way as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. PeytonI am doing my best to see that this important project receives the detailed and careful examination which it warrants in order that the promise which it undoubtedly holds out 1815 can be fully exploited if the difficulties and costs are not too great.