§ Mr. Woodburnasked the Minister of Transport to what extent the possibilities of a cross-Channel road bridge were studied by him and the French Minister; whether it has been finally rejected; and to what extent he estimates that, in addition to the tunnel, a road bridge will be needed at a later stage.
§ Mr. MarplesStudies by both Governments have been based on the Report of British and French Officials (Cmnd. 2137): this includes detailed comparisons between a rail tunnel and a road/ rail bridge. Much of what is said about a road/rail bridge would apply to a road bridge also. Both Governments have decided in favour of the rail tunnel in preference to any form of bridge. The tunnel will have traffic capacity to meet foreseeable needs for very many years.