Channel Tunnel Rail Link (Supplementary Provisions) Bill

I do not agree with that analysis. The specific point is that the whole High Speed 1 project and channel tunnel rail link have been based on the idea that they would contribute to wider regeneration efforts in my and the hon. Gentleman's constituencies and other parts of Kent. I refer the Minister and the hon. Gentleman to the Public Accounts Committee's 38th report, of May 2006. It states:"““The economic case for the Link remains marginal. On passenger traffic alone the Link is not justified, so regeneration benefits are required to make the project value for money.””" That is why it would have been correct for Ministers to play a more proactive role in trying to secure the full regeneration benefits. I am conscious of and grateful for the Minister's attempt to question Eurostar's decision. However, he and I know that that was very late in the day. Frankly, the Department for Transport did not play a proactive role throughout the procedure, despite the huge coalition that had assembled. The people arguing were not limited to those from Ashford or even Kent—the coalition was cross-party and from across the south-east of England. It spread as far as the South East England Development Agency, and even the European Commission became involved. That extraordinary coalition assembled to say that the decision was bad. Frankly, the only piece of the jigsaw that was lacking was the Department for Transport, and that was hugely regrettable.