§ Mr. Brightasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many civil servants in his Department are working on the Channel tunnel project.
§ Mr. RidleyNo official is currently employed full time on the question of the Channel fixed link. This touches on a wide range of departmental interests and effort is mobilised where and when necessary.
§ Mr. Brightasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what recent discussions he has had with his European Economic Community colleagues about the construction of a Channel tunnel;
(2) what discussions he has had with his French counterpart since January about the construction of a Channel tunnel.
§ Mr. RidleyThe question of the Channel fixed link was included in wide-ranging discussions my right hon. Friend had with his French counterpart on 20 February and will be touched upon again when he meets him on 21 March. I have had no discussions on this subject this year with other EEC colleagues.