HC Deb 13 November 1989 vol 160 c38W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will call a conference of local authorities, employers and trades unionists to consider how his Department might act in order to obtain better links for north and south Wales to the proposed Channel tunnel; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

British Rail has already consulted widely in preparation for its report on Channel tunnel rail services.

Proposals for road links which will benefit road users travelling between Wales and the Channel tunnel are included in "Roads for Prosperity" published by the Department of Transport and in "Roads in Wales 1989".

I have had talks with the chairman of British Rail after having had the views of many people interested in this matter.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what efforts he has made to improve the direct access of north and south Wales railway routes to the proposed Channel tunnel; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

The chairman of British Rail is aware of the importance that my right hon. Friend and I attach to the provision of the best possible rail links between Wales and the Channel tunnel. Officials have taken part in British Rail's consultations on its plan of services for the tunnel. That report is now awaited.