§ Mr. SpeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he is yet able to authorise the construction of Ashford international passenger station.
§ Mr. RifkindThe increase in British Rail's external finance limit for 1992–93 which I announced last month allowed for some £18 million of expenditure on an international passenger station at Ashford. I have asked the chairman of British Rail to give serious consideration to the possibility of building a simpler station at Ashford than the one proposed. I hope it can be in place in time for Ashford to be served by some international passenger trains once scheduled service through the channel tunnel commences.