CHANNEL TUNNEL

Hokitika Guardian, 15 March 1930, Page 5

CHANNEL TUNNEL

(British Official Wireless.)

(Received this day at 10 a.m.'

RUGBY, .March 14

A report, is issued of the Economic Advisory Council of Channel Tunnel Committee.

The report, says the feasibility of roiistnictiwii of the tunnel under the English Channel depends on the nature or the ground to be tunnelled. Geological and engineering difficulties are Jlively to be encountered. but they could probably be Success fully overcome.

.There must-, however, remain a feeling of tloi.i ;t regarding the practicability of constructing the tunnel, until a pilot tunnel estimated to lost t'd.-.iJO.IX.Q ha* (been successfully driven right under the Channel. 'I lie Committee nds none of the new tonus of cross-channel conrinunicalions suggested to them can be regarded as a satisfactory alternative to a channel tunnel. The cost of construction of the actual tunnel is estimated at about £25.000,(KX). The Committee consider that cm economic grounds it should be carried out by private enterprise, and not be accorded any special iimuicial assistance 'bv the Government.

The Committee, believe tire tunnel could be built, maintained and operated by private enterprise at a cost '/hieh would permit traffic through it being charged rates not higher than those at present in force on the short cross channel route.

ly/i'd . Ebbisham signs tire 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 the traffic at competitive rates, any lesultant advantages are uncertain and at best slight in extent, whilst on the other hand, t-he evidence submitted has shown •there would be a definite detriment to established industries, such for instance as shipping and agriculture.