HC Deb 16 January 1989 vol 145 cc83-5W
15. Mr. Loyden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the likely impact on the port of Liverpool of the Channel tunnel.

Mr. Portillo: I understand that the Merseyside chamber of commerce and industry and some other agencies in the north-west have agreed to co-operate in a study of the transport implications for that region of the single European market and the Channel tunnel. Government Departments are ready to assist with information and advice.

I hope that other bodies in the region, especially in the private sector, will join in this initiative.

20. Mr. Hind

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to meet the chairman of British Rail to discuss rail links to the Channel tunnel; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Portillo

This topic is discussed from time to time in Ministers' regular meetings with the chairman.

21. Mr. Parry

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will commission a study of the impact of the Channel tunnel on the port of Liverpool.

Mr. Portillo

I see no need to commission a study as I understand that the Merseyside chamber of commerce and industry and some other agencies in the north-west have agreed to co-operate in a study of the transport implications for that region of the single European market and the Channel tunnel.

I hope that other bodies in the region, especially in the private sector, will join in this initiative, and Government Departments are also ready to assist with information and advice.

23. Mr. Sumberg

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received on the need to provide a direct rail link between the Channel tunnel and the north-west of England.

Mr. Portillo

Direct rail links already exist between the site of the United Kingdom entrance to the Channel tunnel and the north-west, but we do receive representations from time to time arguing that additional infrastructure should be provided.

24. Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will commission a study of the regional impact of the Channel tunnel.

72. Mr. McAvoy

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will commission a study on the regional impact of the Channel tunnel.

Mr. Portillo

No. The Government concluded at an early stage that such a study would not be a useful exercise. Of more practical benefit to the regions is the plan, which British Rail is required to publish by the end of 1989, for the dispersal of international passenger and freight trains throughout Britain. They are currently consulting widely and assessing demand.

55. Mr. Evennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from residents of the London borough of Bexley concerning the proposed routes for the Channel tunnel rail link.

Mr. Portillo

We have received a number of representations from Bexley residents on this subject. It is British Rail's responsibility to decide on a preferred route and to justify its choice.

57. Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress on the Channel tunnel.

83. Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress in the Channel tunnel.

Mr. Portillo

Construction progress is a matter for Eurotunnel. I understand that, following some early delays, better progress is being maintained.

63. Mr. Hardy

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what initiatives he has taken to ensure that Yorkshire and other northern areas of England will have adequate connection with the Channel tunnel.

Mr. Portillo

I expect British Rail to address these questions in the plan which they will be publishing later this year in compliance with section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act.

65. Mr. Michael J. Martin

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of the Channel tunnel.

Mr. Portillo

Construction progress is a matter for Eurotunnel. I understand that, following some early delays, better progress is being maintained.

66. Mr. Clelland

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to increase the carrying capacity of the motorway system in the light of the Channel tunnel.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The Government announced in the White Paper "The Channel Fixed Link" (Cmnd. 9735) that the 23km gap between Maidstone and Ashford on the M20 would be filled with dual three lane motorway, and that the 10.8km Maidstone bypass section would be widened from two lanes to three to give good access to the tunnel terminal.

In general, the impact of the Channel tunnel is one of many factors taken into account in planning the forward road programme and in the design of motorway and trunk road schemes.

94. Mr. Litherland

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to encourage the development of freight handling facilities in the north of England and Scotland to take advantage of the Channel tunnel.

Mr. Portillo

I expect British Rail to address these questions in the plan which it will be publishing later this year in compliance with section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act.