HC Deb 01 February 1988 vol 126 cc502-3W
43. Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the implications for the level of Channel tunnel rail services of the currently planned provision of on-train customs facilities for Channel tunnel train services.

Mr. David Mitchell

Section 12 of the Channel Tunnel Act 1987 requires on-train controls to be provided on services for destinations beyond London, subject to the railway operators asking for them and providing facilities acceptable to the appropriate Ministers. Discussions are in progress between BR and the Departments concerned.

62. Mr. Jacques Arnold

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much he has agreed to allow British Rail to invest in the Channel tunnel.

Mr. David Mitchell

As reflected in the latest public expenditure White Paper, we have approved, in principle, a package of investments proposed by the British Railways Board not exceeding £550 million in total to enable Channel Tunnel rail services to commence in 1993. The board is now preparing detailed appraisals of individual elements in the package before final approval can be given.