§ 27. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further progress has been made in the planning and negotiations on the Channel Tunnel project; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeytonWork on the studies is well in hand. I will make a statement when the results are available.
§ Mr. AdleyIs my right hon. Friend aware that that statement will be eagerly awaited by many people, who I think will give a wholehearted welcome to the proposals, particularly the fact that there is to be a rail tunnel? Is he aware that the tunnel will bring considerable benefit to many regions? Can he say what complementary measures to link the Channel Tunnel with regional infrastructures he is taking or considering?
§ Mr. PeytonIt would take a great deal of time to answer the last part of my hon. Friend's question but I hope to make a statement on the subject to the House in due course. I thank my hon. Friend for what he said in the first part of his question. I know very well his enthusiasm for railways.