§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the research undertaken into the risk of fire in the channel tunnel will be placed before the House.
§ Mr. FreemanMany of the tests and studies relating to the risk of fire in the tunnel shuttle trains are being undertaken by Eurotunnel; publication of the results of any of that work is a matter for the company but the safety authority proposes to publish a general commentary on the work. It will not be possible to publish the commentary until the tests and studies have been completed; this will occur next year at a later stage of commissioning.
In addition, Eurotunnel has commissioned a study of the overall safety of the tunnel system. The safety authority has employed consultants to review Eurotunnel's work and proposes, next year, to issue a report on the outcome.