§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the current situation is in respect of providing a Channel Tunnel rail interchange at Stratford, East London, to serve East Anglia. [90708]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonA new international and domestic station at Stratford remains integral to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link project, with construction planned as part of Section 2. The Channel Tunnel Rail Link Act 1996 provides powers for an open box over which the station is to be built. An Order providing powers for the station itself has been sought by London and Continental Railways (LCR) under the Transport and Works Act 1992. Following a public inquiry, the Secretary of State announced on 8 September 1998 that he was minded to approve the Order with modifications. But before reaching a final decision he required further information from LCR and other parties on pedestrian access, which is presently awaited.