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Written question asked by Pete Wishart (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 26 February 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 March 2002. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Thursday, 7 March 2002 on behalf of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Dept for Transport Local Government and the Regions

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, what discussions with the Scottish Executive have taken place concerning the restrictions of rail freight through the Channel Tunnel that began on 7th November 2001 and its impact on Scotland; when such discussions took place;. who took part; what the outcome was; and if he will place a copy of the minutes in the Library. - (Holding answer 28 February 2002).
Answer

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions with the Scottish Executive have taken place concerning the restrictions of rail freight through the Channel tunnel that began on 7 November 2001 and its impact on Scotland; when such discussions took place; who took part; what the outcome was; and if he will place a copy of the minutes in the Library. [38675] Mr. Jamieson: [holding answer 28 February 2002]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have regular discussions with the Scottish Executive concerning a variety of issues. The content of these discussions is confidential. The Government are aware of, and have passed on, the particular concerns over the impact of restrictions on international rail freight services from Scotland. The Government are pressing the French Government at the highest levels to provide adequate policing resources at Frethun to support the anti-intrusion measures already being installed by SNCF in order to address the disruption to Channel tunnel services caused by would-be illegal immigrants. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has written twice to the French Prime Minister, and also spoke to him at a recent summit in Stockholm. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions have followed up the Prime Minister's letters with the French Interior Minister and Transport Minister respectively.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
38675; 381 c558W
Session
2001-02
Subjects
Channel tunnel High Speed 1 line Undocumented migrants Freight Railways Scotland Security
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk