§ 27. Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will provide the appropriate guarantee necessary for the start of a rail-only privately funded Channel tunnel.
§ Mr. David HowellThe Government's position remains that they are looking to the private sector to finance any fixed Channel link project and to bear the commercial risks without financial guarantees from the Government.
§ 30. Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Transport when a decision will be taken on the Channel tunnel; and what are the main factors to be taken into account.
§ 38. Sir Albert Costainasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a further statement on the progress of negotiations relating to the Channel tunnel.
§ 40. Mr. Doverasked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to receive the report on the Channel link from the group of clearing banks.
§ Mr. David HowellI understand that the Franco-British banking group is making good progress in its study. I expect to receive advice from the group at about the end of the year on whether, and on what terms, private finance could be raised for a fixed link. This is a key issue and the Government will need to consider the group's report carefully and to consult the French Government before a decision can be reached.