§ 48. Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has had discussions with British Rail or Eurotunnel on the planning of through routes from regions such as south Wales to European Community capitals after the Channel tunnel is opened.
§ Mr. David MitchellNo. The planning of Channel Tunnel rail services is a matter for British Rail. Section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act requires British Rail to prepare a plan by the end of 1989 setting out the measures it proposes to take in order to disperse rail traffic to different parts of the United Kingdom. British Rail intends to consult as widely as possible with interested parties in the preparation of this plan, and it has already collaborated with Eurotunnel on a regional survey of business opportunities.