§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Prime Minister what assurances were given by his predecessor regarding the financing of the channel tunnel; and what information he has about assurances offered by the French Government. [10116]
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware that any assurances were given by my predecessor or by the French Government. From the start it was always envisaged that the channel tunnel would be an entirely private sector project, and that the concessionaires would have no recourse to Government funds or guarantees of a financial or commercial nature. That remains the position of both Governments.