HC Deb 24 July 1973 vol 860 cc449-50W
Mr. Tope

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish pamphlets explaining the Government's proposals for the Channel Tunnel in laymen's language similar to those published in connection with British entry to the E.E.C

Mr. Peyton

I will bear this in mind if the Government decide that the project should go ahead.

Mr. Tope

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when details will be published of additional motorways needed to serve the Channel Tunnel.

Mr. Peyton

No additional road works would be required: access to the tunnel would be via the M20 and the M25 orbital route both of which will be built in any event.

Mr. Tope

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when a detailed route will be published for the proposed rail link from the London terminal to the Channel Tunnel.

Mr. Peyton

As soon as practicable following a decision to build the tunnel.

Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many studies he has ordered concerning the Channel Tunnel project; how many have been presented to him; how many are still outstanding; which are publicly available; and if he will list all such reports, and their particulars;

(2) what extra studies on the Channel Tunnel he has received outside those he has commissioned; how many there are; and if he will publish a list of them;

(3) when he expects to publish a White Paper on the Channel Tunnel; and whether his decision concerning the Government's commitment to the second stage of the Channel Tunnel project will be made after the White Paper has been debated by Parliament;

(4) which Western European countries have legislation that prevents their financial institutions investing in the Channel Tunnel project without the Government guarantees as envisaged in the Channel Tunnel Agreement No. 1; and what proportion of such institutions is precluded from such an investment.

Mr. Peyton

I will write to the hon. Member.