HL Deb 27 February 1985 vol 460 cc933-4

2.48 p.m.

Lord Davies of Leek

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are still interested in establishing a link with Europe either in the form of a bridge or a tunnel; and whether a study of existing freight and passenger traffic via France has been made.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, as I said in reply to my noble friend Lord Bessborough in the unstarred debate on this subject on 16th January, the Government remain willing to facilitate the construction of a cross-Channel fixed link by the private sector if it can be financed without support from public funds or Government guarantees against commercial or technical risks. On the second point raised by the noble Lord, a full study of existing and expected freight and passenger traffic was included in the report of an Anglo-French study group published in June 1982 (Cmnd 8561). But promoters will no doubt make their own up-to-date traffic forecasts before developing firm proposals to submit to the two Governments.

Lord Davies of Leek

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that comprehensive reply. Will the noble Lord tell the House whether the committee is still in existence or whether consultations are still taking place between the French and ourselves on this issue?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

Yes, my Lords, the joint Anglo-French working group which is preparing guidelines has been asked to complete its work by the end of February (that is, tomorrow) and intends to submit its report on time. The exact date upon which guidelines can be issued to promoters will depend on whether there are any points remaining to be resolved in discussion between my right honourable friend the Secretary of State and his French counterpart.

Lord Underhill

My Lords, does the Minister agree that there are many other factors involved, apart from the commercial viability that will be left to private capital? Is it intended that the Government will issue a White Paper covering the whole sphere and all the problems involved?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I have no knowledge of any proposal to issue a White Paper. The guidelines for the promoters will of course be published; and it is hoped that they will be available in about a month's time.

Lord Ferrier

My Lords, can my noble friend say whether these estimates will include a calculation in respect of the police, Customs and security staffs who will be necessary for the 24 hour-a-day watch that will have to be kept in respect of any such bridge or tunnel?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, all the factors which my noble friend has mentioned are being very closely considered by my right honourable friend.