§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he now expects the high-speed link from the channel tunnel to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [39762]
§ Mr. WattsThe start of the main construction works will follow the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Bill gaining Royal Assent and the promoter completing sufficient design and other work to achieve the necessary raising of finance. The Government will place contractual obligations on the private sector promoter as to the timetable for construction of the main works, but as negotiations with the shortlisted bidders are still under way it is too early to say what the timetable might be. Union Railways planned a construction programme of about five and a half years.