§ Mr. Paul ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment his Department has made of the impact of a fast rail link from the Channel Tunnel to the north via Ebbsfleet, Stratford and St. Pancras on levels of road freight transport; [43096]
(2) what assessment he has made of the impact on investment of a fast rail link from the Channel Tunnel to the north via Ebbsfleet, Stratford and St. Pancras; [43094]
(3) what estimate he has made of the total cost to the Government of (a) continuing the Channel Tunnel rail link as proposed under the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Act 1996, including the incorporation of the Ebbsfleet and Stratford international stations, (b) opting for an upgraded link to Waterloo and (c) delaying the project. [43028]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonOn 27 March 1998,Official Report, columns 295–96, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister said that the cure period under the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) Development Agreement within which London and Continental Railways (LCR) 441W could bring forward any improved proposals to the Government had been extended to 29 May 1998. Proposals have now been received and we are discussing them with the company. The economic and transport implications (including freight) of decisions on the CTRL will be a key consideration for my right hon. Friend in assessing the proposals put to him by LCR.
§ Mr. TimmsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 27 March 1998,Official Report, column 295, if he has received revised proposals from London and Continental Railways; and if he will make a statement. [43546]
§ Mr. PrescottI have received revised proposals from London and Continental Railways which are being discussed with the company. I will make a statement to the House as soon as I can after the Whitsun recess.