§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what advice he has issued to the operators of the channel tunnel with regard to recommissioning the animal electrocution apparatus in the channel tunnel; and if he will make a statement; [20710]
(2) what estimate he has made of the cost of recommissioning the animal electrocution apparatus in the channel tunnel. [20712]
§ Mrs. BrowningThe Department has drawn to the attention of Eurotunnel its obligation to maintain electrified grids in the channel tunnel. These grids are designed to deter animals from passing through the tunnel, not to electrocute them. This is one of a series of measures intended to prevent animals entering the channel tunnel.
The electrified grids currently installed in the tunnel are not operational. I met Eurotunnel's chairman this morning to discuss this. Eurotunnel is working urgently on devising a technical solution which is capable of being implemented. The cost of that work is a matter for Eurotunnel.