§ Mr. Charles WardleTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements will be made for customs checks on the passengers using the Channel tunnel.
§ Mr. RyderCustoms' overall approach has been to devise arrangements which best suit the different types of train while observing the need for economy in the use of public sector staff. There will be three types of passenger train using the tunnel:
Customs checks are highly selective in green channel systems, and only a very small percentage of passengers on the trains bound for Waterloo will experience any delay in their journey.
- (a) shuttle services carrying private cars, coaches and ro-ro vehicles between Coquelles and Cheriton. For these, customs checks will be done at Coquelles before vehicles join the train, allowing them a free exit on arrival in the United Kingdom;
- (b) through trains bound for points beyond London. In accordance with the Channel Tunnel Act, Customs are planning for all checks to be performed on the train during the journey, subject to the operators providing satisfactory facilities and to the payment of any fees or charges that may be imposed;
- (c) capital-to-capital services terminating at Waterloo. Customs checks will be done at Waterloo station using the familiar airport-style red/green system.