HC Deb 09 June 2003 vol 406 c591W
Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has made to the French Government in respect of the losses suffered by Road Track Ltd. as a result of the closure by SNCF of the Channel Tunnel and criminal damage committed in French freight yards; and if he will make a statement. [118212]

Mr. Jamieson

Throughout the period of major disruption to freight services from Calais Frethun, the Government made repeated and strenuous representations to the French Government about the effects on UK and foreign businesses and the need for urgent action by the French authorities to restore normal service. The Government have made clear that it is for the individual companies concerned to seek compensation from the French authorities or the railway operator, as some are now doing.