This Bill sets out a small number of provisions which clarify the legislative and regulatory position of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link ahead of restructuring of London and Continental Railways.

During second reading in the Commons, parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport Tom Harris introduced the second reading of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (Supplementary Provisions) Bill. He began by talking about plans from December 2009 for the arrival of London and Continental Railways (LCR), which will reduce travelling times for commuters in Kent. He said; “the Bill makes a small number of changes to support a restructuring and make sure that the future structure is as effective as the existing one”. He praised the fact that the High Speed 1 project was completed on time and within budget.

Harris went on to talk about the separation of LCR’s three different business and added it is expected there will be “an open, competitive process for any sale, to secure best value for the taxpayer. The Bill is the first step towards that.”

Harris also spoke about; rail freight; regeneration of the Kings Cross area and Stratford and the environmental impact of the line.

Stephen Hammond (Con, Wimbledon) asked the government what guarantees would be given with regard to the construction phase. He also asked why the operator will not need to hold a licence. He added that the opposition intends to “aid the Bill’s parliamentary progress”.

Charles Clarke (Lab, Norwich, South) added his support for the Bill. He called on the secretary of state to “invest capital in the vital interchange station at Stratford, and in particular either to construct a travolator…or another convenient walkway”

Susan Kramer (Lib Dem, Richmond Park) contributed to the debate. She talked about the inconvenience of many business travellers to get to St Pancras rather than Waterloo. She also talked about procurement.

The following issues were raised in the debate: Network Rail; Crossrail; immigration control; planning; Thames Gateway; and passenger growth.

Tom Harris concluded the debate. He said; “we have the opportunity to gain a tangible financial return on taxpayers’ investment. The Bill kicks off a programme of work that will last at least three years. Through restructuring, we will secure the long-term future of the channel tunnel rail link project—a project that has delivered, and will continue to deliver, real benefits for the country, and a project of which we should all be proud.”

House of Commons

First reading: November 8 2007 [HC Bill 4]

Second reading: November 20 2007

Channel Tunnel Rail Link (Supplementary Provisions) Bill committee stage:

• 1st sitting: December 4 2007 (am)

Remaining stages: January 17 2008

House of Lords

First reading: January 18 2008 [HL Bill 21]

Second reading: February 19 2008

Grand Committee:

• March 12 2008

Third reading: March 23 2008