§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on plans by British Rail and other undertakings to improve transport infrastructure in the North West region in the period before the opening of the Channel tunnel.
§ Mr. PortilloA partnership of public and private sector interests in the North-West, led by chambers of commerce there, is already carrying out a study into the region's requirements arising from the single European market and the Channel tunnel. Government Departments will assist with information and advice as necessary.
The plan that British Rail is required to prepare under section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act 1987 on international passenger and freight services will cover all regions.
The impact of the Channel tunnel is one of the many factors taken into account in planning the national trunk road programme. There is already a number of schemes in the programme that will improve North/South links. A review of the trunk road programme is in progress, and we expect to make an announcement in the spring.