HC Deb 23 June 1998 vol 314 c432W
Mr. Ottaway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when LCR expects to complete the Channel Tunnel Rail Link if Railtrack fails to exercise its option relating to the second phase of construction of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. [46470]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Any such assessment would depend on when Railtrack chose not to exercise its option in respect of the second phase of construction. Railtrack, however, has made clear its expectation to commit to the second phase and LCR expects work to be completed in 2007.

Mr. Ottaway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions within what timescale LCR will have to find a third party or complete phase two itself if Railtrack does not exercise its option relating to the second phase of construction of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. [46469]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Railtrack has an option until July 2003 to construct and purchase Phase 2, but should it decide not to exercise that option, LCR remains, in any event, contractually obliged to complete the second phase to St. Pancras. LCR's current expectation is that the second phase of construction should be completed by 2007.