CHANNEL TUNNEL

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 March 1930, Page 7

CHANNEL TUNNEL

REPORT OF COMMITTEE CONSTRUCTION DIFFICULTIES (Wireless.) (Received March 15, 11.20 a.m.) RUGBY, March 14. The report is issued of the Economic Advisory Council of the Channel Tunnel Committee. The report says: The feasibility of the construction of a tunnel under the English Channel depends on the nature of the ground to be tunnelled. Geological and engineering difficulties are likely to be encountered, but they could probably be successfully overcome. There must, however, remain a feeling of doubt regarding the practicability of constructing a tunnel until a pilot tunnel, estimated to cost £5,500,000, has been successfully driven right under the Channel.

The Committee finds that none of the new forms of cross-Channel communications suggested to them can be regarded as a satisfactory alternative to a Channel tunnel. The construction of the actual tunnel is estimated at about £25,000,000. The Committee consider that on economic grounds the work should be carried out by private enterprise, and should not be accorded any special financial assistance by the Government. The Committee believe that the tunnel could be built, maintained, and operated by private enterprise at a cost which would permit traffic through it being conveyed at rates not higher than those at present in force on the short cross-Channel route. Lord Ebbisham signs the report subject to a minute of dissent, the general conclusion of which is that even if a tunnel could be built, maintained, and operated by private enterprise, and if it could carry the traffic at competitive rates, any resultant advantages are uncertain, and at best to a slight extent, whilst on the other hand, the evidence submitted has shown that there would be definite detriment to established industries, such, for instance, as shipping and agriculture.