§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he is now having with the trade unions, entrepreneurs and environmentalists regarding the case for fast trains between Scotland and the continent for the Scottish manufacturing industry, and the environmental requirements which the Scottish people demand from railways and motorways.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonNone at the present time. British Rail is still working on its proposals for Channel Tunnel passenger and freight services and any associated investment. It is required by section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act 1987 to publish a plan by the end of the year.
As part of this process, British Rail is consulting with a wide range of interests in Scotland in a series of meetings.