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Channel Tunnel Rail Link (Supplementary Provisions) Bill

When the Minister writes to us, will he be explicit about a number of issues? First, he just said that we want to encourage international traffic. Will he explain what the Government are doing about the intergovernmental commission? It is using the Channel Tunnel as a drawbridge against this country by setting safety standards that are not set by the Swiss, who have just opened a massive tunnel through the Alps, or elsewhere in Europe. The Government shelter behind saying that it is because of a treaty with France, but treaties can be altered. Everything the Minister said about encouraging traffic comes to nothing unless he deals with that problem. Secondly, I am sure that the best price will be secured by independent regulation because that is what bidders want. They do not wish to be subject to the whims and fancies of any Secretary of State. They trust the Rail Regulator, whose processes are open. People can go along to hearings, have their say and hear what other people say. It is not like that in Marsham Street, where the doors are locked and what goes on inside is a mystery to us all and sometimes bemuses us. Lastly, the Minister spoke about wanting more freight and said that Eurotunnel comes into the consideration. Eurotunnel has shown its commitment by purchasing locomotives with the object of pulling freight trains. What is needed is access at a price that freight operators can afford.