§ 18. Mr. AndersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will discuss with the chairman of British Rail plans to prepare the rail infrastructure of Wales (a) generally and (b) to improve links with the continent.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsMy right hon. Friend will discuss these issues when he next meets the chairman of British Rail.
§ Mr. AndersonAre the Government prepared to invest £195 in the report by the Economist intelligence unit, published today, on the social and regional implications of the Channel tunnel? In the report, British Rail is sharply criticised for its failure to plan for the regional effects of the tunnel. Is it not clear that Wales may suffer major adverse repercussions unless the Government intervene as a matter of urgency to protect areas such as Wales?
§ Mr. RobertsAs the hon. Gentleman knows, British Rail has produced its plan as required, and has made provision for Wales. The hon. Gentleman will know that there will be an overnight passenger service from Swansea to the Channel tunnel and daytime services from south Wales to the international centre at Waterloo; there will also be services from mid-Wales to Wolverhampton to connect with services to the tunnel, and from north Wales to Crewe. Freight terminal sites are also under consideration: there will be one in south Wales, one in the west midlands which will serve mid-Wales and one in Cheshire to serve north Wales.
614 This is a basic plan, to be reviewed and updated annually. Therefore, I cannot possibly agree that British Rail has completely ignored the interests of Wales.