§ Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of the numbers of commuters likely to benefit form the channel tunnel rail link; and how much subsidy per head he intends to authorise.
§ Mr. WattsThe Government intend to secure substantial capacity on the channel tunnel rail link for domestic passenger services. The four consortia invited to bid for the role of promoter have been asked to submit bids on two bases: to provide capacity for eight and 12 trains per hour each way during the peak. The precise service specification will be determined in the light of the bids received. The amount of subsidy will be determined as a result of the competition currently under way and of the competition which the Government intend to hold at a later stage to select an operator to run domestic services.