§ Lord Gainfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make a statement on progress with the study of the options for an international passenger station at Ashford.
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraBritish Rail have completed their preliminary study of the options for a less costly international passenger station than their original proposal. We consider that a central Ashford option best meets the various objectives. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State has accordingly invited Sir Bob Reid to put forward a full investment submission for a central Ashford international passenger station to share the site of the present NSE station.