HC Deb 19 July 1972 vol 841 cc114-6W
Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Government have conducted a social economic cost benefit analysis of the Channel Tunnel project; and when he will publish the report.

Mr. Peyton

Some work has been done on this but wider studies are needed before worthwhile results can be made available.

Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the estimated total cost for British Rail to build the proposed high speed rail link between London and the Channel Tunnel terminal and what will be the estimated time of the journey between London and the tunnel and London and Paris;

  1. (2) what is the estimated cost for the building of the new White City railway terminal station for the Channel Tunnel;
  2. (3) what is the estimated number of houses which will have to be demolished in order to build the high-speed rail London-Channel Tunnel link.

Mr. Peyton

I cannot yet provide the detailed information asked for.

Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the cost to the Government of the Channel Tunnel feasibility studies; and whether it must be paid if the tunnel is not built.

Mr. Peyton

The total cost of the preliminary studies was approximately £900,000. The share falling on the British and French Governments if the tunnel were not built would depend upon the circumstances in which abandonment took place.

Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the proposed financing of the Channel Tunnel; what is the proportion to be borne by private interests; whether this will include those costs necessary to improve essential road and rail approaches; and how much is their estimated cost.

Mr. Peyton

Not yet. Discussions are continuing.

Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest estimated total cost for the building of the Channel Tunnel; and how this compares with the estimated cost in the 1963 White Paper Command Paper No. 2137.

Mr. Peyton

£366 million in 1972 prices without interest. Cmnd. 2137 estimated £143 million in 1962 prices without interest.

Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the expected decline in traffic through the country's eastern ports due to the redirection of traffic through the proposed Channel Tunnel.

Mr. Peyton

Not significant.