§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Transport what parliamentary and intergovernmental actions are required before construction of a fixed Channel link can start; and whether he has fixed dates for any such actions.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeFollowing a decision to proceed with a fixed Channel link, an Act of Parliament and an agreement with the French would be required. It is too early to decide on a firm timetable.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effect on present passenger and freight operators of a Channel fixed link of (a) a single bored rail tunnel, (b) a double bored rail tunnel and (c) a scheme incorporating both road and rail; and if he will give details.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIn considering all the fixed link proposals that have been put to us, we are taking account of their effects on existing services. We are not yet in a position to give a detailed assessment.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether, during his Presidency of the EEC Transport Council, he will take steps to give effect to the European Parliament's resolution urging support for the construction of a fixed Channel link and a Community contribution towards it.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIt is first necessary to decide whether a commercially viable scheme, which is acceptable to the British and French Governments, can be found.