HC Deb 03 February 1986 vol 91 cc11-2
10. Mr. Dykes

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the Government's decision to proceed with a fixed Channel link; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

Since 20 January we have received a small number of letters about the fixed link from members of the public.

Mr. Dykes

Will my hon. Friend accept, once again, universal congratulations to himself and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, because exactly the right scheme has been chosen to give a much-needed boost to British Rail, which needs that long-term development? Does he agree that overnight this has improved Anglo-French relations and shown that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is a good European after all? As the French immediately announced that in the period up to the opening of the link they would spend £700 million on infrastructure, including transport infrastructure, around the Channel tunnel entrance on their side, will my hon. Friend consider again the merits of doing the same on the British side?

Mr. Mitchell

My hon. Friend is correct in saying that this will be a boost to British Rail. One of the big advantages will be the way in which freight will be able to move throughout the European network from stations in the United Kingdom. I suggest that my right hon. Friend should wait for the White Paper tomorrow, which will give him a great deal of information on expenditure.

Mr. Boyes

Does the Minister recall that on 20 January the Secretary of State said in his statement that he would have to consider carefully the employment consequences of the development? Is he aware that people in my area find it astonishing and incredible that the Secretary of State could make an announcement about a project without considering the employment consequences?

Can the Minister assure us that if the development, to which I am opposed, goes ahead, the north-east will receive special consideration in terms not only of the rail network, but, the road network? Is he aware that there is no motorway between Darlington and Doncaster, which is something that industries in the north-east desperately need?

Mr. Mitchell

The consequences of the project on employment were taken into account by the Government and formed part of the assessment process when considering the four projects in detail. A very large volume of orders will be available to be won, but they will not be allocated to any part of the country. They must be won by people competing for them successfully.