HC Deb 23 November 1966 vol 736 cc300-1W
90. Mr. McNamara

asked the Minister of Transport if she will ensure that all the United Kingdom's share profits from the proposed Channel Tunnel will accrue to the public purse.

Mrs. Castle

Agreement has been reached with the French Government that the Tunnel should be built with recourse to finance from private sources, but that this doss not exclude participation from public funds in the risk capital of the construction company. The terms negotiated with private interests must be acceptable to both Governments. During the negotiations I shall bear fully in mind the need to provide for a proper return on the project for the public purse.