§ Mr. WarrenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assurances he has received from British Rail that its main lines will be able to be used by continental passenger trains, following the opening of the Channel tunnel, without the need for passengers to change to British Rail rolling stock to complete their journey; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellMost existing continental passenger trains are too wide and high for much of the British system. British Rail and French and Belgian railways are therefore jointly planning to operate a new fleet of high-speed passenger trains and night sleepers through the Channel tunnel. These trains will be designed to operate on all three networks.