§ Mr. DunnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures are proposed to protect people who live alongside existing railway lines to the channel tunnel from the effects of additional noise arising from international freight trains.
§ Mr. FreemanAs well as taking steps to reduce the effects of the international freight trains by the introduction of new locomotives and rolling stock, and continuously welded rail, British Rail has agreed jointly funded schemes with Kent and Surrey county councils and the London borough of Bromley for the provision of acoustic barriers alongside existing tracks at locations expected to be most affected at night. Kent county council has decided also to offer double glazing for certain isolated properties which cannot be protected by noise barriers.
Supplementary credit approvals have previously been allocated to Surrey and Kent. I have now agreed to provide further credit approvals of £375,000 to Kent, to cover the balance of their costs, and £336,000 to the London borough of Bromley.
I and my colleagues will be prepared to consider TPP applications for resources in 1995–96 from other authorities in London which agree appropriate schemes with BR. Such applications will be considered on their merits and in the light of the resources available.