HC Deb 12 March 1990 vol 169 cc120-1W
15. Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement of the implications for transport policy should the Channel tunnel not be completed.

Mr. Portillo

I am confident that the Channel tunnel will be completed and see no point in speculating otherwise.

26. Mr. Gow

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much public money will be spent on the rail link with the Channel Tunnel and the provision of new rolling stock; and when he expects to make a journey through the tunnel on a train.

Mr. Portillo

British Rail is planning to spend over £ 1 billion on trains, station and maintenance facilities and track and signalling improvements, so that a full international passenger and freight service can begin on the day that the Channel tunnel opens. The holder of my office could expect to make a journey in June 1993.