§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will announce the impact on the estimated cost of the Channel Tunnel proposal of the 25 per cent. increase announced in the price of steel.
§ Mr. MulleyIt will not affect the real cost estimated at £468 mililon in 1973 prices. The effect on the out-turn cost will depend on whether the average increase in British and Continental prices exceeds that assumed over the construction period. Steel costs would amount to some 3½ per cent. of the total cost if the tunnel linings were constructed of reinforced concrete.