HC Deb 22 October 1990 vol 178 cc59-60W
11. Mr. Sumberg

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the likely implications for businesses in the north-west of England of the British Railways Board's proposals for direct freight and parcels rail services to Europe on completion of the channel tunnel.

Mr. Freeman

British Rail is still working up its plans for freight and parcels services. It hopes to clarify the position on freight services for the north-west around the end of the year. We recognise that tunnel freight service to the north-west is of great importance to business in the region.

16. Mrs. Margaret Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department intends to respond to the proposals contained in the draft European Community directive for investment to provide high-speed rail links between Scotland and the channel tunnel; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

The draft directive makes no such proposal, but a full electric service between Edinburgh and London is expected to start in 1991, and British Rail's plans for the channel tunnel include services between Scotland and the continent.

23. Mr. Andrew Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department intends to respond to the proposals contained in the draft European Community directive for investment to provide high-speed rail links between Scotland and the channel tunnel; and if he will make a statement.

24. Mr. Sillars

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department intends to respond to the proposals contained in the draft European Community directive for investment to provide high-speed rail links between Scotland and the channel tunnel; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan (Mr. Salmond) earlier today.

46. Mr. Harry Barnes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has supplied to the European Commission on arrangements concerning the transport of nuclear fuel and waste through the channel tunnel; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

I refer the hon. Member to my written reply of 14 June, at column304. There has been no change since then.

55. Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has had on regional transport connections to the channel tunnel.

Mr. Freeman

We have received a number of representations to the effect that road and particularly rail services to the tunnel should be improved. The Government are confident that road and rail links to the tunnel will meet both passenger and freight demand.