HC Deb 26 February 1975 vol 887 cc491-3
24. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what revision he plans for investment in British Rail as a result of the cancellation of the Channel Tunnel project; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Crosland

It is too early to say.

Mr. Adley

Is the Secretary of State aware that it seems inconceivable to many people that the Channel Tunnel was cancelled because of a misunderstanding over dates? Does he recognise that the guarantees which were to be provided by the Government may be available elsewhere? Will he at least state clearly in principle that the Government will not obstruct any proposals which may be made from elsewhere to enable Channel Tunnel companies to build the tunnel?

Mr. Crosland

There was no misunderstanding over dates. As to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's question, I have said before, as has my right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport, that we shall seriously consider any proposals that might be made.

Mr. Cryer

Will my right hon. Friend consider as a matter of urgency diverting Channel Tunnel investment to British Rail so that it can replace some of its worn-out and obsolete stock on secondary lines which are now much in need of an urgent cash injection to attract people from the roads to public transport?

Mr. Crosland

The investment will in practice have to be diverted not only to British Rail but also to the operators of ferries or hovercraft and to improve some of the ports which will carry more traffic. That is where the investment will have to be directed.

Mr. Costain

Is the Secretary of State aware of the effect of rumours on people trying to sell property in the area affected, particularly Newington? Does he realise that such property has been blighted for more than 11 years? As long as these rumours exist, it is difficult to sell property. Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the Channel Tunnel will not be started again, as he did three weeks ago, but of which nobody took any notice?

Mr. Crosland

I agree with the hon. Gentleman. I think that we have effectively lifted the blight for the foreseeable future from the parts of Kent and Surrey which were affected. I do not believe that any of the ideas floated in the Strasbourg discussion will come to fruition. I do not believe that sufficient European funds are available, either in the Commission or the European Investment Bank. Nevertheless if any proposals are made I shall not reject them before I have considered them.

Mr. Christopher Price

Some hon. Members who voted with a will to get rid of the Channel Tunnel realised at the time that that action would cause severe congestion, especially in South-East London. Will my right hon. Friend bear that in mind, especially when considering the future of transport in London, and realise that if he rules out the extension of the Fleet Line to Lewisham, which is not irrelevant to this matter, there will be great disappointment in many parts of South-East London?

Mr. Crosland

My hon. Friend is right. By no means all the consequences of cancelling the tunnel will be agreeable—very far from it. We are now examining in some detail the consequential decisions that have to be taken regarding all other forms of transport as a result of our decision to cancel.