HC Deb 14 October 1991 vol 196 c106W
22. Mr. Gerald Bowden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is satisfied that the proposals under discussion for the channel tunnel rail link take into account the full potential for transferring freight traffic from road to rail.

Mr. Freeman

The implications for international rail freight is one of the factors that we took into account in considering the options for a channel tunnel rail link.

23. Mr. Butler

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has on the level of infrastructural investment by British Rail in the north-west in preparation for the opening of the channel tunnel.

Mr. Freeman

British Rail plans to invest over £1.4 billion in infrastructure improvements and rolling stock to enable channel tunnel trains to serve the north-west and other United Kingdom regions, as well as London. I understand from British Rail that it plans to spend some £10 million in upgrading infrastructure, for example, strengthening bridges, from the north-west to London. In addition, British Rail will be investing in channel tunnel freight terminals at Trafford Park and on Merseyside.

29. Mr. Sims

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he is now in a position to make a statement on British Rail's proposals for a route for the channel tunnel fast link.

Mr. Freeman

My right hon. and learned Friend will make a statement today.