§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he expects the full resumption of channel tunnel freight services to be announced; what discussions he has had with the French authorities on the resumption of channel tunnel freight services; and what compensation is available to British companies denied full access. [36044]
§ Mr. SpellarEarly resumption of full services is dependent on the implementation of additional security measures—both physical and police resources—at the Calais Fréthun yard so that SNCF can effectively prevent disruptions to operation.
My right hon. Friends the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions and the Home Secretary have all written to their French counterparts to ask that all necessary measures are put in place as soon as possible, to enable full rail freight services to resume. The Home Office and their French opposite numbers are working together closely to deal with the underlying immigration issues. I am keeping closely in touch with developments. The British Ambassador visited Calais on 31 January and discussed the problem with the Prefect.
Compensation is a contractual matter between SNCF and its customers.