§ Mr. Goodhewasked the Minister of Technology, what technical advice he has received on the potential of the hovercraft for cross-Channel ferry services in relation to the Channel Tunnel; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CousinsThe operators who have recently ordered SRN 4's evidently believe that the hovercraft has commercial potential for cross-Channel ferry operations, and this is supported by the analyses which my Department has seen. There is nothing in the present situation however which has led my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport to revise the calculations of the economics of the Channel Tunnel.