HL Deb 29 March 1993 vol 544 c39WA
Lord Clinton-Davis

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have plans to seek support from the European Investment Bank, European Investment Fund or any other European Community source in connection with the Channel Tunnel rail link and, if so, what is the precise source of such funding and the amount and terms involved and the reasons therefor, having regard to their refusal hitherto to entertain such assistance.

The Earl of Caithness

The intention is to seek European Community support for the project wherever possible: grants totalling 17 million ecu have already been allocated from the Transport Infrastructure Programme and a further application has been made for 1993. It has always been envisaged that European Investment Bank support could assist a private sector promoter, and we are in discussion with the bank about the project. The terms which will apply to the European Investment Fund are not yet known.