Channel Link (Hansard, 23 December 1981)

§ 13. Mr. Whitehead
asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to publish his reply to the report of the Transport Committee on the Channel link

§ Mr. David Howell
I have accepted an invitation to meet the Committee early in the new year.

§ Mr. Whitehead
I thank the Secretary of State for that rather fatuous reply. The House will wish to have a positive response from the Department to the Select Committee. Is the Secretary of State aware that there have been many proposals for a rail tunnel? It appears to be one of the few subjects upon which the Prime Minister can converse with the French President. When can we get an answer about the sort of tunnel that will be agreed?

§ Mr. Howell
The joint study cannot be completed before early next year. We hope for rapid progress, but we must co-ordinate with the pace and the needs of the French. It is an international project and we must work with our partners in carrying forward the studies.

§ Mr. Nicholas Winterton
In my right hon. Friend's reply to the Transport Select Committee, will he highlight the fact that the portal to portal costs will come entirely from private resources, but that public investment will be needed for the Cheriton development and for the terminal in London? Will my right hon. Friend also tell us what the French Government's attitude is to proceeding with the tunnel at an early date, because of the valuable advantages that it can bring to all parts of the United Kingdom in dealing with the EEC?

§ Mr. Howell
My hon. Friend's last point will depend upon the precise timing of my appearance, the position of our discussions with the French and the attitude of the French Government, but I shall try to do my best. The question of public or other investment outside the main scheme will differ with the various schemes, but I hope that all those matters will emerge both in my discussions with the Select Committee and in public debate.