HC Deb 18 July 1988 vol 137 cc441-2W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans there are to aid the exporting ability of the Nottingham and the midlands region by the provision of rail freight facilities direct to the continent.

Mr. David Mitchell

This is a matter for the British Railways Board, which is planning freight services through the Channel tunnel to and from a wide variety of destinations in the United Kingdom. Under section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act 1987, it is required to publish a plan by 31 December 1989 setting out its proposals. It is consulting widely with interested parties in the regions during the preparation of this plan.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which routes will be used for the transport of goods for the continent coming from Nottingham via the Channel tunnel.

Mr. David Mitchell

This is an operational matter for the British Railways Board.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish a White Paper concerning the impact of the building of the Channel tunnel upon each of the transport systems as they serve Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

I see no need for a White Paper. As far as road services are concerned, the tunnel terminal will be connected direct to the M20, and there will be unbroken access by motorway to the M25 and so through to the M4 and other major routes. As far as rail services are concerned, British Rail is required under section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act to publish by the end of 1989 a plan setting out its proposals for international passenger and freight through services for the United Kingdom. The board will be consulting widely with interested parties in all parts of Britain, and has in the past two months held three regional seminars covering north, mid and south Wales.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will commission a study of the likely impact upon the Crewe-Holyhead railway line of the Channel tunnel construction scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

No. This is a matter for the British Railways Board.