HC Deb 15 November 1967 vol 754 cc107-8W
56. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in the Channel Tunnel project.

Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will make a statement on the finances, and commencement and completion dates for the projected Channel Tunnel.

Mr. John Morris

The three international groups who were invited to submit separate financing proposals are now elaborating their provisional schemes in close consultation with British and French officials. Provided that the final terms proposed are acceptable to the two Governments, my right hon. Friend should be able, with her French colleague, to select a group early in the New Year to form the company responsible for financing and managing the construction of the tunnel. On this timetable we would expect construction work on the tunnel to begin about 1970, with completion about 1975 or 1976.