Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the employment implications for the regions of the United Kingdom outside the south-east of the completion of the Channel tunnel.
§ Mr. LeeAll parts of the United Kingdom should benefit from employment opportunities generated, directly and indirectly, by the operation of the Channel tunnel. I hope that firms in all areas will be able to utilise the tunnel's facility for easier freight transport into Europe, thus putting them in a better position to compete in the European market. I also expect the Channel tunnel to be of considerable benefit to tourism.