HC Deb 31 March 1993 vol 222 c298W
Mr. Trotter

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of the difference in journey time for passenger trains between the north of the country and the continent if they are routed to St. Pancras rather than King's Cross.

Mr. Freeman

There is no appreciable difference. Journey times are similar on the rail link routes into St. Pancras and King's Cross, and between the stations and the east coast main line and the west coast main line. All trains have to stop so that officials undertaking on-train border controls can join or depart and for train crews to be changed. No additional time would be taken at St. Pancras as a result of the trains leaving the station in the same direction as they arrive.