§ Mr. Ronald Brownasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what were the reasons for not properly protecting the Mole machine, used for tunnelling work on the Channel Tunnel, from water penetration; and why the electrical gear associated with the machine was left unprotected, resulting in considerable damage and deterioration;
(2) in whose area of responsibility maintenance and protection of the Mole machine used for tunnelling work on the Channel Tunnel was vested; why no such protection was given; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter;
(3) if he will publish in the Official Report the cost of the Mole machine used for tunnelling work in the Channel Tunnel at its last valuation before the project was abandoned; what that capital figures would be increased to when inflation is allowed for; and by how much 316W that figure will be reduced due to the decision to allow the condition of the machine to deteriorate.
§ Mr. HoramMy right hon. Friend is responsible for the affairs of the British Channel Tunnel Company. The machine has been protected by regular servicing, which revealed faults in the switchgear. It would not take much to put that right, but it would be a waste of money to do so, or to continue servicing, since there is no prospect that the tunnel will be restarted during the useful life of the machine. The machine cost £547,000 in 1974. Its value today would depend on its prospective use and would not be materially reduced by its present condition which is generally sound.