§ Mr. DunnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make clear the likely sources of funding for environmental protection for communities and land potentially affected by a high-speed Channel tunnel rail link; if he will clarify the position with regard to the use of Government funds for such purposes in the light of section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloThe environmental protection measures which BR will need to take as part of its proposals for a new line will form part of the cost of the project which will have to be met from increased BR revenues. Government subsidy is ruled out by section 42 of the Channel Tunnel Act.
§ Mr. Gerald BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether there is any contractual arrangement or other commitment between Her Majesty's Government or British Rail with the French Government or French rail authorities on the speed of trains from the Channel tunnel to London, and over other parts of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Portillo[holding answer 31 January 1989]: There are no agreements between the British and French 211W Governments on the speed of Channel tunnel trains within the United Kingdom. The contractual arrangements between BR and SNCF are a matter for them, but I understand that they provide for the shares of revenues to reflect relative contributions towards the overall quality of service and hence its commercial success. BR would accordingly receive an increased share of the joint revenues from the service and pay a smaller share of the costs if the current journey time between London and the tunnel were reduced.