§ Lord Sefton of Garstonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the justification for their decision that there should be no direct link between the Merseyside rail infrastructure, with approximately 2 million people in its catchment area, and the Channel Tunnel.
§ Lord Mackay of ArdbrecknishThe provision of rail services through the Channel Tunnel is a commercial matter for British Rail and its successors. I understand that passengers from Merseyside will be able to join day and overnight services to the Continent at Crewe. Freight services through the tunnel will be provided from Royal Seaforth in Liverpool. The operators will be able to review these arrangements in the light of demand once the services commence.