§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the latest information he has regarding the building of the Channel tunnel; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellFrom the frequent contacts between my Department and Eurotunnel conerning safety and other regulatory aspects of the construction of the tunnel and the recent receipt of Eurotunnel's first annual report submitted to the intergovernmental commission I understand that, although recent progress has been872W somewhat slower than earlier expected, Eurotunnel and the contractors continue to plan for commencement of operation in May 1993.
Copies of the annual report mentioned will shortly be placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament.