§ Mr. GorrieTo ask the Secretary of State fore the Environment, Transport and the Regions what public support has been provided to enable a train service from Edinburgh to run direct through the Channel Tunnel or to connect with the channel tunnel service at Waterloo. [20697]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe provision of rail services through the Channel Tunnel is the commercial responsibility of Eurostar (UK) Ltd. (EUKL), which was transferred to the private sector in May 1996. When EUKL (then called European Passenger Services Ltd.) was in Government ownership—9 May 1994 to 31 May 1996—direct grants totalling £423.7 million were made towards running costs and investment. No specific sums were, however, earmarked for the provision of services to or from Edinburgh.
§ Mr. GorrieTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to assist the development of a high-speed rail link from Edinburgh to the continent via the Channel Tunnel. [20698]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonA new high speed rail link between the Channel Tunnel and London St. Pancras is planned to be completed in 2003. This new line, along with the East Coast Main Line, should provide for high speed trains between Edinburgh and the Continent.