§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what provision has been made in the Government's public spending plans for 1994–95, 1995–96 and 1996–97 for expenditure on the channel tunnel rail link.
§ Mr. FreemanWe have made provision for public expenditure of £40 million in 1994–95, £20 million in 1995–96 and £10 million in 1996–97. Total expenditure on the project in this period will be substantially greater, and will be made up by funding from the private sector following the appointment of the private sector promoter.
§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what provision has been made in the Government's spending plans for the substantial public sector support for the channel rail link to which he committed the Government in his statement of 22 March.
§ Mr. FreemanSubstantial public sector support will be provided by making British Rail's European passenger services subsidiary part of the project, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 11 November. Whether any further support is required, and if so its amount and timing, will be determined by the results of the competition to select the private sector promoter.
§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what portion of the provision for public expenditure on the channel tunnel rail link during 1994–95 to 1996–97 is intended to cover the compensation that the Government will have to pay to owners of properties affected from January 1994 when the route is safeguarded.
§ Mr. FreemanThe provision required for property purchase will depend upon the route chosen and the terms adopted for property purchase. The Government are giving careful consideration to these issues in the light of Union Railways' 29 October report and the comments received from consultees. We intend to make a statement next month.