§ 47. Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any plans to fund the development of rail freight interchanges in the north-east, in preparation for the opening of the Channel tunnel.
§ Mr. David MitchellI am prepared to authorise any commercially worthwhile investment by British Rail related to the Channel tunnel, but direct financial assistance from the Government is ruled out by section 42 of the Channel Tunnel Act. Investment in privately owned interchange facilities may qualify separately for grants where there are clearly measurable environmental benefits.