To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, further to his answer of 4 February 1991 Official Report, column 4, whether he will consult the chairman of British Rail in relation to the United Kingdom's participation in the European Commission high level working group with respect to low-platform wagon technology for through freight trains using the channel tunnel.

Yes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects United Kingdom approval of a standard low bogie system for running Berne gauge freight trains through the channel tunnel on to the United Kingdom railway network to be announced.

Technical approval of freight wagons for operation in the United Kingdom is a matter for British Rail. Freight wagons for operation through the channel tunnel also require approval from Eurotunnel, the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority in consultation with Her Majesty's railway inspectorate, and other European railways. There is no proposal to run Berne gauge trains in the United Kingdom.