ENGLISH CHANNEL SCHEME.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18519, 17 March 1930, Page 9

ENGLISH CHANNEL SCHEME.

Economic Council’s Reports TO COST TWENTY-FIVE MICT lONS (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 14. The report is issued of the Economic Advisory Council of the Channel Tunnel Committee. The report states that 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 the 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 ragarded as a satisfactory alternative to the Channel tunnel. The cost of 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 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 the tunnel could be built, maintained and operated by private enterprise, and if it could carry traffic at competitive rates, any resultant advantages are uncertain, and, at the best, slight in extent, whilst, on the

other hand, the evidence submitted has shown that there would be a definite detriment to established industries, such, for instance, as shipping and agriculture.

“BURIED THE SCHEME.” LONDON PRESS CRITICISM. (United Press Association—Bv Electrio Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received March 16, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 15. “The Times,” in a leading article, says: “The only justification for the Channel Tunnel would be the unmistakeable proof that it would add to our comfort and prosperity, promote our foreign trade, and relieve unemployment, but whatever else may be quarried from the Committee’s report, it is evident that the findings yield neither unmistakable proof nor unmistakable conviction that the tunnel would bring these boons. It is true that four out of five inquirers arrive at the conclusion that the Tunnel would be economically advantageous, but the study of evidence, upon which the opinion is based, coupled with Lord Ebbisham’s very damaging minute of dissent, leaves no doubt that the Committee’s report has, in effect, buried the scheme.”