§ 14. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the chairman of British Rail on matters related to the Channel tunnel; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. MooreThe chairman and I have regular meetings at which we discuss a wide range of matters of current interest, including the Channel tunnel.
§ 16. Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress so far in the preparation of the project to construct the tunnel link in the English Channel.
§ Mr. MooreThe Channel Tunnel Bill received Second Reading on 5 June and has now been committed to a Select Committee.
§ 20. Mr. Roger Kingasked the Secretary of State for Transport how the west midlands will benefit from the proposed Channel fixed link.
§ Mr. David MitchellWest Midlands firms are well placed to compete for major orders for mechanical and electrical equipment, rolling stock and tunnel linings. When the tunnel is complete, they will benefit from the substantially improved but less expensive access to European markets, particularly by rail. In environmental terms, residents will benefit from transfers of international freight from road to rail that the tunnel will make possible.
§ Dr. Marekasked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Wrexham of 18 June, on what expectation of demand British Rail has formed its views that it has sufficient capacity to handle the additional traffic generated by the Channel tunnel.
§ Mr. David MitchellThis is a matter for BR, which will no doubt be giving evidence on this point to the Select Committee which considers the Channel Tunnel Bill.