§ Mr. BatisteTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements he proposes for customs clearance on high-speed trains to and from the north of England using the Channel tunnel; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LilleySection 12 of the Channel Tunnel Act provides for customs and immigration checks to be undertaken on board trains going beyond London via Olympia, subject to adequate facilities being provided. Discussions are at present taking place between Customs and British Rail about the facilities that would be required on these trains and the back-up accommodation needed at Olympia.