HC Deb 09 July 1990 vol 176 c84W
22. Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to ensure that the cancellation of high-speed train links with the channel tunnel does not damage access of passengers and exports from Scotland to the continent.

Mr. Freeman

The recent announcement related to a particular proposal for a joint venture by British Rail and Eurorail. BR is continuing to develop proposals for a new passenger rail link between the tunnel and London to cater for traffic growth in the longer term. It was never intended that the new line or the high-speed link to the tunnel in France should carry freight. British Rail intends to provide both passenger and freight services to cater for the Scottish market from the outset.

Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to give his approval to British Rail for investment plans in relation to King's Cross being the international terminal linking the North with the channel tunnel.

Mr. Freeman

British Rail has not yet submitted its investment plans, which I would not normally expect to see before they get parliamentary approval.

61. Mr. Macdonald

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received concerning the need for a fast rail link between Scotland and the channel tunnel.

Mr. Freeman

I have recently received several representations from various parts of the country, including Scotland, about the desirability of fast and efficient rail links to the channel tunnel.