§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to encourage British Rail to run Channel tunnel trains direct to Britain's major cities; and if he will consider a transport grant for this purpose.
§ Mr. David MitchellUnder section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act 1987 it is the responsibility of the British Railways Board to prepare a plan by the end of 1989 setting out its proposals for international through services serving various parts of the United Kingdom. Section 42 of the 1987 Act specifically rules out grants to British Rail in connection with its Channel tunnel rail services.
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from (i) British Rail and (ii) others, regarding the economic effect the use of several rail carriages for customs procedures will have on British Rail's proposals to have Channel tunnel trains running direct to major cities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellNone. The amount of space needed for on-train controls is still under discussion between British Rail and the authorities concerned.