HC Deb 03 June 1991 vol 192 cc50-1W
14. Mr. Butler

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has on the level of intended investment by British Rail for extra regional passenger and freight traffic consequent upon opening the channel tunnel.

Mr. McLoughlin

British Rail is planning to invest more than £300 million for international freight services. It expects regions outside London and the south east to account for about 70 per cent. of its freight business through the tunnel. It has yet to submit investment proposals for regional passenger services.

Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to meet Ove Arup to discuss the channel tunnel rail link.

Mr. Freeman

My right hon. and learned Friend has agreed to a request from my hon. Friend the Member for Dulwich (Mr. Bowden) for a meeting with Ove Arup to discuss its rail link proposal.

17. Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to make a decision on the route of the channel tunnel high speed rail link.

Mr. Freeman

I refer to the answer that my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State gave earlier to the hon. Member for Lewisham, Deptford (Ms. Ruddock).

24. Mr. Dykes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next intends to hold meetings with representatives of the channel tunnel consortium to discuss relevant matters of transport co-ordination.

Mr. Freeman

I meet representatives of Eurotunnel from time to time to discuss issues of common concern.

25. Mr. Gerald Bowden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met representatives of the local authorities in London regarding the high speed rail link; and whether he has any plans for an early meeting with them.

Mr. Freeman

On 4 February, representatives of the London borough of Newham gave me a presentation of their proposed route for the rail link into Stratford. I have no plans at present for further meetings with Newham or other London local authorities.