§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Trade what estimate he has made of the likely effect of the construction of a Channel tunnel on the import and export of manufactures.
§ Mr. ParkinsonAs was made clear to the House on 19 March by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, no decision has been taken to establish a fixed Channel link. An assessment of the effect of such a link on our trade in240W manufactures will be one of the many factors that would be considered by my right hon. Friend on any firm proposals that may be put to him. But as no detailed proposals have been received, any attempt to estimate the effect on our international trade would be premature.