§ 24. Mr. KirkhopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are currently working in jobs related to the Channel tunnel; what effect this will have on the economy of northern England; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. LeeIt is not possible to estimate the total number of people currently working in jobs relating to the Channel tunnel, but I am aware that around 5,000 people are currently employed at the tunnel site in Kent. In addition, contracts worth £500 million have been awarded to date by the tunnel contractors: 90 per cent. of this work has gone to firms in the United Kingdom, 20 per cent. to firms in northern England. The Channel tunnel should have a beneficial effect on the economy of the whole of the United Kingdom.