§ Lord Clinton-Davisasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are their proposals for an environmental impact assessment relating to the Channel Tunnel rail link, who is to carry out such assessment, what is the time-table for its completion, and whether it will be published.
The Earl of CaithnessAn environmental assessment was undertaken as part of the comparison of broad route options and was published in October 1991. An environmental assessment of the options put by Union Railways to the Government for the refinement of the preferred broad route will be published very shortly. Further environmental assessment will be undertaken during public consultation and an environmental statement, prepared by the promoter of the project, will be presented with the Hybrid Bill in accordance with Parliamentary requirements.