§ Mr. AmosTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he now expects the passenger trains for services through the channel tunnel from destinations from north of London to be delivered; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindBritish Rail last December announced plans to operate daytime international rail services connecting stations on the east and west coast main lines directly with Paris and Brussels. These plans remain unchanged. However the high-speed trains are even more complex than those which will operate between London, Paris and Brussels and will require a substantial period of safety and operational testing. The manufacturers have not yet been able to quote a firm price and delivery date. As a result, through passenger services are unlikely to be available until 1994. In the light of this I have indicated to British Rail the importance I attach to improving the journeys of passengers from north of London in the period immediately after the tunnel opens. I understand it is now planning to operate some inter-city services from the north into Waterloo, so avoiding the need for passengers to cross London. Tenders for rolling stock for night trains through the tunnel are likely to be invited shortly.