HC Deb 21 November 1974 vol 881 cc485-7W
Mr. Stanley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to receive British Rail's report on the alternative routes and costs of the Channel Tunnel high-speed line; and when he expects to reach his decision on the recommended route.

Mr. Mulley

British Rail are due to submit a report on which decisions can then be taken once their current discussions with local authorities are complete.

Mr. Stanley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether British Rail's report on the alternative routes and costs of the Channel Tunnel high-speed line will be made public before he reaches his decision on the recommended route.

Mr. Mulley

I would hope to make available as much information as possible.

Mr. Stanley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the revenue-sharing agreement between British Rail and SNCF in respect of Channel Tunnel through-rail services has now been finalised; and, if not, how the estimated rate of return on British Rail's high-speed line investment is currently being calculated.

Mr. Mulley

British Rail agreed with SNCF the allocation of revenue on which the rate of return on the estimate for the Channel Tunnel rail link published in the previous administration's White Paper (Cmnd. 5430) was calculated. Negotiations are continuing during phase II of the tunnel project and will be concluded before a decision on investment in the link.

Mr. Stanley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will refer the calculation of the capital cost and the rate of return on the Channel Tunnel high-speed line to the Cairncross Committee.

Mr. Crosland

The group of independent advisers on the Channel Tunnel project already have the rail link under consideration.

Mr. Speed

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his latest estimate of the cost of the Channel Tunnel high-speed rail link.

Mr. Mulley

I have nothing at present to add to the speech of my hon. Friend the Under Secretary of State in winding up the debate on 11th November.—[Vol 881, c. 132.]

Mr. Speed

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions have taken place with organisations of the EEC with a view to getting financial support for the Channel Tunnel high-speed rail link.

Mr. Mulley

None recently, though the European Investment Bank earlier expressed its willingness in principle to consider making funds available for the tunnel project.

Mr. Speed

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is examining the feasibility of upgrading existing railway lines to provide the Channel Tunnel rail link; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mulley

Planning of rail infrastructure for the Channel Tunnel is proceeding on the basis set out in the third schedule to Agreement No. 2 (Cmnd. 5486).