Study 'based on errors'
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THE FINDINGS of the joint Franco/British Study Group on a fixed Channel link (CM, June 26) were based on errors and misunderstandings, according to the Dover Harbour Board Channel Tunnel Study Working Party.
It said last week that the report's conclusion that a fixed link would "probably offer cost savings and other economic advantages sufficient to outweigh the capital investment involved," had not been established by this, or any other report.
The Dover working party is now looking at the report and will forward its findings to Transport Secretary David Howell and his French counterpart, Charles Fiterman.
"It is surprising and disappointing that the question of 'financeability' was not within the terms of reference," working party chairman Jonathan Sloggen said. "It would appear that the crucial issue has been avoided. How can finance be raised within the private sector for a large project, which on the most favourable view, is only marginal?"
As the Government has said the taxpayer will not have to finance the scheme, this puts another question mark over the whole project, Mr Sloggett said.