§ Mr. TrotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in considering the approval of the construction of the new trains required to operate the through passenger services to the continent via the channel tunnel from the north of the country; when he expects these trains to be ordered; and what undertakings have been given that they will be completed in time for the service to commence from the opening of the tunnel.
§ Mr. FreemanBritish Rail published its plans for services beyond London on 14 December and I refer to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Lee) on that date,Official Report, column 767. I understand that BR currently intends to submit its investment proposals for approval this summer, with a view to ordering the trains later this year and commencing services when the tunnel opens.