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Road-Rail Tunnel Favoured by B.T.C.

6th April 1962, Page 46
6th April 1962
Page 46
Page 46, 6th April 1962 — Road-Rail Tunnel Favoured by B.T.C.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Continental Link "Could Restore Railways' Eminence"

"WITHOUT adequate transport and a VY Channel link which must cater for both road and rail traffic, we shall be seriously handicapped in fighting the intensively competitive battle that lies ahead. We are therefore convinced that a permanent link with the Continent is necessary and that this should preferably take the form of a tunnel."

These views were expressed by Mr. L. H. Williams, a member of the British Transport Commission, in Harrogate last week. He was commenting on the effects of Britain's possible entry into the Common Market, and said that while it was true that more trade meant more transport( the actual pattern of trade and industry was likely to change to a degree that would make it almost unrecognizable within a few decades. Specialization and large-scale production would mean manufacture of goods in locations best suited for very wide distribution; this would make felt a large new need for transport in anything up to five years from now. It would take all of these five years, he considered, to make and implement plans for an effective British link with the Continent-that would enable us to entrench in the new markets.

Dismissing a Channel bridge. Mr. Williams asked those who favoured it to consider whether pressing for such a link might not result in us getting no link at all, or getting it so late that we would be left behind in the race for the European markets.

If Britain joined Europe, B.R. would in effect become part of the European railway system, said Mr. Williams. He pictured diesel and electric trains linking British and Continental centres of prOduction and this, coupled with the modernization schemes, would restore Britain's railways "to something approaching the eminence they enjoyed in days gone by." Already the B.T.C. had surveyed a rail route connecting the North and Midlands with Dover without going through London, he revealed.

125,000 OFFER

A SUM of £25,000 has.heen offered by J. and A. Smith of Maddiston, Ltd.. for the former corporation tram depot at Elderslie, Paisley.


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