HC Deb 12 February 1990 vol 167 c102W
27. Mr. Henderson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a further statement on plans for the high-speed railway link to the Channel tunnel.

Mr. Portillo

British Rail is continuing negotiations with its joint venture partner on a detailed agreement. The aim remains to introduce a Bill for the project later in the year.

31. Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has discussed with British Rail its proposed levels of freight and passenger service between the north-west and the prospective Channel tunnel.

Mr. Portillo

Ministers had the chance to see a presentation from British Rail very shortly before it published its proposals for passenger and freight services in its section 40 plan on 14 December.

38. Sir John Hunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further consideration he has given to the proposals of the Ove Arup partnership with regard to the route of the Channel tunnel rail links; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Portillo

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave on 4 December to my hon. Friend the Member for Waveney (Mr. Porter),Official Report, at columns 87–88.

49. Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the latest plans by British Rail for the Channel tunnel line through London.

51. Mr. Jacques Arnold

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the current situation regarding British Rail's plans for a high-speed rail link to the Channel tunnel.

Mr. Portillo

I refer to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Bexleyheath (Mr. Townsend).

56. Mr. Livsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the current arrangements for the Euro tunnel.

Mr. Portillo

The Channel tunnel is a private sector project, to be constructed and operated in accordance with the Channel fixed link treaty, the Channel Tunnel Act and the concession agreement between the United Kingdom and French Governments and Eurotunnel.

Eurotunnel and TML, the construction group, have recently reaffirmed 15 June 1993 as the target date for completion. British Rail announced in December its plans for international rail services for the United Kingdom.