§ Mr. CarringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has agreed British Rail's proposals for investment in rolling stock for Channel tunnel rail services.
§ Mr. ParkinsonI am pleased to announce today my approval of British Rail's proposals for investment totalling more than £350 million for the purchase of trains to run from 1993 between London and Paris and London and Brussels. This represents British Rail's share of the combined passenger fleet of 30 trains which will be using the tunnel from June 1993. It amounts to a major investment in the provision of rail services through the Channel tunnel. It is another important step towards achieving the goal of London-Paris and London-Brussels direct train services. I look forward to receiving further investment proposals from British Rail for the rolling stock required for passenger services beyond London and for freight services.
§ Mr. MoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has on the terms and scope of the contract between British Rail and Trafalgar house with regard to the Channel tunnel link and with regard to international traffic on existing or improved rail routes; if he will arrange for a copy of the contract or of the heads of agreement to be placed in the Library; and if he will describe the respective roles of the contracting parties if the high speed link should not proceed.
§ Mr. PortilloThese matters are currently being negotiated between British Rail and their private sector 487W partners. Some of the terms may require my right hon. Friend's approval: others may be confidential to the parties.