HC Deb 26 November 1996 vol 286 cc158-9W
Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his oral statement of 19 November,Official Report, column 837, on the channel tunnel fire, what response he has received to his representations to his French counterpart on the publication of the inquiry by the French authorities. [5746]

Mr. Watts

A response has not yet been received from the Secretary of State for Transport's French counterpart.

Mr. Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his statement of 19 November,Official Report, column 837, on the channel tunnel fire, what is the procedure by which Eurotunnel must prove that operations can recommence safely; from which bodies advice will be taken; and if separate evaluation will be made of the position of passenger services, care shuttles, freight services and lorry shuttles. [5747]

Mr. Watts

Eurotunnel will be making a detailed submission to the Intergovernmental Commission, setting out proposals for restarting services carrying passengers. This is expected shortly. The Safety Authority will examine and consider the submission, taking advice from experts as necessary. Permission for Eurotunnel to operate a limited freight service was granted on 20 November 1996. After examining Eurotunnel's submission, the Safety Authority will advise the Intergovernmental Commission. The Intergovernmental Commission will then decide whether to authorise a restart of operations.

Mr. Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what were the estimates of the frequency and effects of fire on board a semi-open heavy goods vehicle shuttle train included in Eurotunnel's application for its operating certificate for this service. [5748]

Mr. Watts

Eurotunnel's proposals for the design and construction of the semi-open HGV shuttles gave estimates of the frequency of any fire occurring on board a semi-enclosed HGV shuttle in transit as about one in every 20 years.

The effects of a fire on board a shuttle which were considered included procedures for evacuation, heat and smoke and the ability of the ventilation system to control it, and the fire resistance of the amenity coach.

As part of the general safety submission in the Tunnel the fire resistance of the cross-passage doors was tested, as was the ability of the normal ventilation system to maintain the service tunnel as a "safe haven" while a cross-passage door might be open for evacuation or rescue.