§ Mr. Gerald BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of(a) the effects of private sector involvement in the building of the Channel tunnel rail link and (b) whether the private sector has a role in appraisal of the design; and what financial advisers are employed by his Department to advise on private sector investment in building the Channel tunnel rail link.
§ Mr. PortilloOur assessment will depend on the outcome of British Rail's current discussions with a number of private sector interests. The Department has not as yet appointed financial advisers on this matter.