§ Sir John StanleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport from how many companies and consortia of companies bids have been invited to pre-qualify for the financing and construction of a new railway link between London and the Channel tunnel by the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the progress with this initiative.
§ Mr. PortilloI understand that the British Railways Board's invitation is a general one which has not been restricted to particular companies or consortia. Interest has been expressed by a number of companies, but no firm applications have yet been received by the board. The deadline for applications is the end of January 1989.
§ Sir John StanleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether, if British Rail's proposed high-speed line between London and the Channel tunnel is financed in the public sector, the cost of the associated environmental works will form part of the capital cost of the project for the purpose of calculating the rate of return.
§ Mr. PortilloYes.