HC Deb 23 December 1981 vol 15 cc981-2
9. Sir Anthony Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has had any recent discussions with the chairman of British Steel and the chairman of British Railways on the respective merits of the rail-only tunnel and the road-rail/bridge-tunnel crossing of the English Channel; and whether any future meetings are planned.

Mr. David Howell

I am in touch with all promoters of schemes for a fixed Channel link, as well as with Dover harbour board, representing port and shipping interests. Further meetings will take place as necessary.

Sir Anthony Meyer

Since the road-rail/tunnel-bridge would carry much more traffic and would create more jobs—not merely in the South-East—than the single rail-only tunnel project, will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that, provided the money can be raised for the more imaginative scheme, the Government will not be predjudiced against it?

Mr. Howell

As I have said in reply to earlier questions, the Government's mind is open on all the options and no scheme has been ruled out.

Mr. Snape

Will the Secretary of State acknowledge that the road-rail/tunnel-bridge would not only be a considerable navigational danger in the most heavily-used waterway in the world, but would be an environmental disaster for the South, because of the number of heavy goods vehicles that it would attract?

Mr. Howell

All aspects of the project involve problems and challenges. All such considerations—including those that the hon. Gentleman implied—are being taken into account.

Mr. Beaumont-Dark

Given all the grandiose schemes that nationalised industries are putting forward, although those industries are losing thousands of millions of pounds, will my right hon. Friend ensure that no more Government money is invested in such a scheme and that, if the Government have money to spare, they will use it to improve our road system, which is a disgrace to a civilised country?

Mr. Howell

I made it clear earlier that we look to the private sector to finance the project and to bear the commercial risks. I hope that that meets my hon. Friend's point.