§ 83. Mr. Worsleyasked the Minister of Transport what plans he has to construct, before the completion of the Channel Tunnel, adequate motorway links between the tunnel and the North of England.
§ Mr. MarplesIn considering future extensions of my road programme, I will at the appropriate time take into account the traffic likely to be generated by the Channel Tunnel.
§ 85. Mr. Oramasked the Minister of Transport what plans he has for coordinating rail and road traffic using the proposed Channel Tunnel.
§ Mr. MarplesThe tunnel will take special ferry trains for road vehicles as well as normal rail services. It is too early to say exactly how these various services will be co-ordinated; but in discussions with the French Government full consideration will be given to the need to balance the needs of different types of user.
§ 86. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Transport on which date Her Majesty's Government decided to proceed with the plan for the construction of a Channel Tunnel and an early geological survey; and what information on this decision was conveyed to the Press.
§ Mr. MarplesHer Majesty's Government's decision in principle to proceed with the plan for the construction of a Channel Tunnel was taken shortly before my statement to the House on 6th February. The joint decision by Her Majesty's Government and the French Government was announced as soon as the terms of a statement were agreed between the two Governments. No information on the decision was conveyed to 59W the Press before that announcement. It was made available in the usual way at that time.