§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further representations he has received regarding the Channel tunnel and midland main line railway; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloI have received a number of representations about the Channel tunnel and the midland mainline. The extent to which this line is used for Channel tunnel rail services is a matter for BR's commercial judgment. It is also for British Rail in the first instance to decide whether it is in its commercial interest to propose electrification of this or any other line. The board's proposals for an international station at King's Cross would provide excellent interchange facilities with inter-city services on the midland mainline.