HC Deb 13 February 1989 vol 147 c91W
5. Mr. Henderson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about British Rail's proposed routes for the Channel tunnel link.

15. Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about British Rail's proposed routes for the Channel tunnel link.

25. Ms. Armstrong

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about British Rail's proposed routes for the Channel tunnel link.

Mr. Portillo

I have received a large number of representations about British Rail's proposals for rail links to the Channel tunnel.

27. Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning the proposed Channel tunnel fixed lines to Waterloo and Charing Cross; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Portillo

I have received a large number of representations about British Rail's proposals for rail links to the Channel tunnel. It is not envisaged that Channel tunnel trains will use Charing Cross.

45. Mr. McCartney

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further plans he has to encourage improvements to the road and rail network to enable the north of England to benefit from the Channel tunnel.

Mr. Portillo

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to the hon. Member for Western Isles (Mr. Macdonald) today.

47. Sir John Stanley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he has given to British Rail's proposals for a new high-speed line between London and the Channel tunnel; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Portillo

I am in regular contact with British Rail about the progress that it is making with the development of its proposals. I set out the Government's position in my response to the Adjournment debate initiated by my hon. Friend the Member for Maidstone (Miss Widdecombe) on 2 December 1988 at columns 1025–32.

52. Mr. Hind

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to meet the chairman of British Rail to discuss links from Scotland, Wales, the north, midlands and south-east of England to the Channel tunnel; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Portillo

Not at present. British Rail is still consulting widely in preparation for the plan which it will be publishing later this year in accordance with section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act 1987.