Channel Tunnel (Hansard, 19 July 1966)

§ Mr. Deedes
asked the Minister of Transport what is the current estimated cost of the United Kingdom share in building the Channel Tunnel.

§ Mr. Swingler
The initial cost of the Channel Tunnel (excluding capital charges) was previously estimated at £142–7 million at 1962 prices. The comparable estimate at 1966 prices, allowing for improved construction methods and certain additional engineering works suggested by the recent survey, is of the order of £155–170 million. Some 50 per cent. of the total cost might be found from United Kingdom sources.

§ Mr. Deedes
asked the Minister of Transport what surveys have been put in hand to determine the programme of new road construction needed in South-East England for the Channel Tunnel ; and if she will make a statement.

§ Mr. Swingler
The estimates of Channel Tunnel traffic already available are sufficient to enable provision for it to be made in my right hon. Friend's plans for the improvement of inter-urban roads in the 1970's.

§ Mr. Deedes
asked the Minister of Transport what steps she is taking to reconvene the technical group responsible for the recent survey of the Channel Tunnel route.

§ Mr. Swingler
The experts responsible for the recent survey are still collaborating in writing their report.