ENGLISH CHANNEL TUNNEL

Taranaki Daily News, 7 June 1930, Page 9

ENGLISH CHANNEL TUNNEL

LABOUR MINISTRY’S VIEW DECISION AGAINST PROJECT QUESTION TO BE DEBATED 'i British Wireless. Rugby, June 5. The Prime Minister announced in the House of Commons to-day that the Government had decided against the Channel tunnel. He said a white paper on the subject would be issued. He was asked whether an opportunity would be given the House to discuss the matter and whether a free vote would be allowed. He offered to give whatever facilities might be required for tho debate. Sir Austen Chamberlain, for the Conservative Party, pointed out that some members of the Opposition might find themselves in agreement with the Government’s decision. The Prime Minister replied that he 'was aware the division on the subject ran through at any rate two parties in the House, and he would certainly not arrange for the question to be put to the House in the nature of a vote of censure on the Government. Asked for the reasons for the Government’s decision, Mr. MacDonald said they would be given in the white paper. The White Paper announces the reasons for the rejection of, the scheme. “There is an element of doubt concerning the feasibility of ita con&tiuction,” it states. “The weakness of the economic case is the great cost and the long period ’>efpre the capital ex-> pended would fructify.” The small number it would provide with employment and the possible diplomatic reaction are also mentioned.