Lord Berkeleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they plan to take to ensure that the Class 92 electric locomotives recently offered for sale by Eurostar remain available for Channel Tunnel services. [HL51]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonThe Class 92 locomotives in question were originally intended to be used for the European Sleeper services through the Channel Tunnel. In the event these services were not commercially viable and Eurostar (UK) Ltd has had no use for these assets ever since, and I therefore consented to their sale.
Although ultimately the final purchaser of these locomotives is a decision for Eurostar, I understand that these locomotives, having been designed specifically for use through the Channel Tunnel, are very powerful. They are, therefore, particularly suitable for freight use and for use in the Channel Tunnel.