HC Deb 19 January 1987 vol 108 cc381-2W
Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration has been given to the effect of cutbacks in British Rail's Freightliner system upon the traffic likely to be generated by the proposed Channel tunnel, in so far as that affects the viability of the project, and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

Decisions on the level of Freightliners services are a matter for commercial judgment by its board. Freightliners is keen to take full advantage of the opportunity offered by the Channel tunnel. Its plans will enable it to offer a comprehensive network of railborne container services through the tunnel and it is confident it will have sufficient capacity to handle the traffic generated by the opening of the tunnel.

Mr. Stuart Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of traffic generated by the proposed Channel tunnel is anticipated to terminate at Waterloo.

Mr. David Mitchell

British Rail estimates that about 70 per cent. of the passengers using its through Channel tunnel rail services will pass through the proposed Waterloo terminal.

Mr. Stuart Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether live animals for sale will be shipped as freight through the proposed Channel tunnel fixed link.

Mr. Donald Thompson

I have been asked to reply.

The importation of live animals through the Channel tunnel is still under consideration but could only take place subject to stringent import controls, including quarantine arrangements being fully met.

Mr. Stuart Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether checks for rabies and other disease will be undertaken by Her Majesty's inspectors (a) before, (b) after or (c) at Ashford in traffic using the proposed Channel tunnel.

Mr. Donald Thompson

I have been asked to reply.

Following preliminary discussions which have taken place with the concessionaires Eurotunnel, the Government will require that stringent import controls designed to protect our animal health status will be fully met and will be carried out either at Frethun in France or at Cheriton in this country.

The present rabies controls will apply to the tunnel. Checks for illegal importations of rabies-susceptible animals will be carried out at Frethun and the authorisation of Frethun (or Cheriton) as an approved port for the reception of licensed imports would depend on statutory requirements being fully met.

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