§ 71. Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he is now having with the EEC to finance, contract, and complete a fast road/rail channel link with other member countries of the Community, including the Channel Tunnel.
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§ Dr. GilbertNone.
§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the annual cost of maintaining the workings of the abandoned Channel Tunnel project; and what is the purpose of such expenditure.
§ Dr. GilbertThe tunnel workings and other assets are being maintained for the reasons given in the statement by my right hon. Friend on 20th January 1975. The net cost in a full year is expected to be about £10,000.
§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received any recent representations from any other European Governments about the reopening of studies of the Channel Tunnel project; what was his response; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. GilbertWe have received no representations from any European Government about reviving the Channel Tunnel project.
§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what shareholdings the Government acquired in connection with the cancellation of the Channel Tunnel project; and why.
§ Dr. GilbertFollowing abandonment, we acquired all the shares in the British Channel Tunnel Company Ltd. We were required to do so under the 1973 agreements with the companies.