HC Deb 17 May 1972 vol 837 cc509-10
14. Mr. Sheldon

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now make a further statement on the proposed Channel Tunnel.

Mr. Peyton

The French Minister and I are still in negotiation with the two Channel Tunnel companies about financing the next stage of work. We are also awaiting their report on the studies carried out over the past year.

Mr. Sheldon

When is the right hon. Gentleman likely to receive the report? When will he update some of the factual information which is now up to 10 years out of date?

Mr. Peyton

I hope to receive the re-port as soon as possible. It should then be possible to update the information.

Mr. Costain

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is great apprehension in Folkestone about where the tunnel is to come out and what effect it could have on amenities in the area? Will he give assurance that when the report is produced he will arrange a public meeting where the people of Folkestone and district can express their views?

Mr. Peyton

I will consider the suggestion. As soon as we have further information which may be of interest to my hon. Friend's constituents and others, I will certainly consider arrangements which would make possible an exchange of views, because I realise the anxieties to which he has referred.