To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what proposals are under consideration for the provision of alternative services to Eurostar using the Channel Tunnel rail link; when such services could be operational; and if he will make a statement. (310108)

As of January this year, new European regulations allow train companies to operate international services across Europe on an open access basis.

The Government welcome this. We want to see new services and competition on Highspeed1.

It is for individual companies to come forward to introduce services.