HL Deb 26 February 1998 vol 586 cc110-1WA
Lord Thomson of Monifieth

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether in any new arrangements regarding contractors for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link they will ensure that the environmental undertakings relating to the vertical alignment of the Link and noise abatement measures in the Westwell Leacon section of the line are adhered to. [HL725]

Baroness Hayman

During the course of Parliament's consideration of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Bill, nearly 600 assurances were given in response to concerns about the construction or operation of the new railway. Compliance with those assurances is a minimum requirement of the Development Agreement for the Rail Link which was awarded to London & Continental Railways. The Secretary of State hopes that London & Continental Railways will soon bring forward acceptable financing proposals to enable it to proceed with the scheme, but compliance with Bill assurances will continue to be a minimum requirement in any event.