§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is(a) the fastest time the channel tunnel has been evacuated; (b) how many doors in the tunnel were open during that exercise; and (c) if the air fell to the point where it equalised between the central tunnel and the running tunnels. [19009]
§ Mr. Watts(a) 85 minutes timed from the train coming to a stop until passengers reached the open air. (b) A maximum of three cross passage doors were open on this occasion. (c) No.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the present normal working pressure of the central service tunnel in the channel tunnel; and how many doors can be opened before the pressure equalises between all three tunnels. [19007]
§ Mr. WattsThe pressure in the service tunnel is maintained within a range from 2,000 pascals near the ventilation shafts to 500 pascals at the midpoint. No more than three cross passage doors should be open if overpressure is to be maintained in the service tunnel.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many new semi-open wagons have been purchased for use in the channel tunnel since 1 January; and what evaluation has been made of their safety case. [19010]
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if there was smoke in either of the two tunnels not affected by fire during the channel tunnel fire of November 1996. [19008]
§ Mr. WattsDetails of the behaviour of smoke in the channel tunnel fire in November 1996 are being investigated by the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority and will be contained in the authority's report on the fire. I understand that this will be completed shortly.
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§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the French Government about the channel tunnel fire of November 1996. [18653]
§ Mr. Watts[holding answer 4 March 1997]: The intergovernmental commission meets on a regular basis to discuss the operation of the channel tunnel on behalf of the Governments. The Channel Tunnel Safety Authority also meets regularly.
The heavy goods vehicle shuttle fire on the 18 November has been discussed at each of the meetings held by these bodies since November 1996.
In addition, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport has corresponded with the French Transport Minister, Bernard Pons, about the fire.