HC Deb 20 July 1994 vol 247 cc250-1W
Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it a condition of the transfer of European Passenger Services to the private sector that the channel tunnel link will be built.

Mr. Freeman

It will be a condition of the development agreement with the consortium selected to construct the Link that EPS will be returned to Government ownership if the link is not completed.

Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who will be responsible for the outstanding debt on trains built for European Passenger Services after they have been transferred to private ownership.

Mr. Freeman

It is intended to transfer European Passenger services to the private sector free of debt as part of the Government's contribution to the project to construct the new channel tunnel rail link. Any liabilities that arise after privatisation and particularly payments on trains that have been leased will be the responsibility of the new owner.

Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the means by which the Exchequer's interest in connection with the proposed privatisation of European Passenger Services can be safeguarded; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

The Government intend to transfer European Passenger Services to the winner of the competition to select the consortium to construct the new channel tunnel rail link and expect to receive full value for the company in the bids of those tendering for the project.