HC Deb 31 January 1994 vol 236 cc505-6W
Mr. Rowe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what grounds he decided not to accept the proposal for a tunnel through the Boxley valley on the channel tunnel rail link route; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

The Government considered very carefully the representations received and an updated comparative assessment by Union Railways' environmental consultants. The long tunnel option through the Boxley valley has significant environmental advantages, but the Government decided that these did not justify spending an additional £65 million, plus a further cost risk of £50 million.

Mr. Rowe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements he has made to implement the purchasing policy for properties within the safeguarded corridor of the channel tunnel rail link; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

The Secretary of State for Transport will issue directions to safeguard the route of the rail link in around three weeks' time. This will trigger Union Railways' voluntary purchase scheme for homes within the safeguarded zone. The scheme will be backed by statutory blight compensation provisions.