HC Deb 02 June 1997 vol 295 cc57-8W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (I) if he will list the contractual obligations on London and Continental Railways to introduce daytime and night sleeper services from north of London to the continent via the channel tunnel; [1149]

(2) what powers he has to ensure that London and Continental introduce overnight sleeper services from north of London to the continent via the channel tunnel. [1147]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The provision of regional day and night services through the Channel Tunnel is a commercial matter for London and Continental Railways, who are contractually obliged to promote a Transport and Works Act Order for a link between the West Coast Main Line and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. This link would be used by regional services. LCR accordingly lodged an application in January and I hope that Parliament will soon have the opportunity to debate it.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects daytime through services from north of London through the channel tunnel to be introduced; and what steps he has taken or expects to take to encourage the introduction of these services. [1146]

Ms Jackson

London and Continental Railways, along with their European railway partners are responsible for international passenger services through the Channel Tunnel. I understand that they plan to start regional services to and from Paris this year.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will list the contributions made by Her Majesty's Government for the purchase of the British Eurostar trains which were given to London and Continental Railways; and if he will list the annual repayments to Her Majesty's Government and when the payments will terminate; [1150]

(2) if he will list the contributions made by Her Majesty's Government and British Rail in the building, preparation and introduction of Eurostar sleeper services; and which of these funds are recoverable. [1148]

Ms Jackson

These trains are all owned or leased by Eurostar (UK) Ltd. (EUKL). EUKL, (previously European Passenger Services Ltd.) was transferred to London and Continental Railways (LCR) on 31 May 1996 as an integral part of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link project. An explanatory memorandum on the contracts and agreements between the Government and LCR is in the Library. While European Passenger Services was in Government ownership (9 May 1994 to 31 May 1996), direct grants totalling £423.7 million were made towards running costs and investment. No specific sums were, however, earmarked for the purchase of Eurostar trainsets, or for the introduction of European sleeper services. These grants are not recoverable but there are provisions in the Transfer Agreements for the EUKL assets and liabilities to revert to Government in the event that LCR should fail.