HC Deb 30 January 1991 vol 184 cc518-9W
Mr. Speed

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking following agreement at the meeting of the Council of Ministers on 17 December to provide a complete and integrated high-speed European rail network over the next 20 years.

Mr. Freeman

The 17–18 December Transport Council adopted a resolution (11124/90) welcoming the Commission's initial report on the development of a European 5high-speed rail network and noting the progress made. The Council asked the Commission to carry out further studies of, among other things, the commercial aspects and financing of specific key links in the proposed network, including the proposed link from the channel tunnel to London.

These further studies will be undertaken by the existing high level working party of representatives of the Governments of member states, the railway undertakings and the rail manufacturing industry. The United Kingdom will continue to take a full and active part in the work of this group.

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