Stock Photo - Sep. 12, 1973 - September 12th . 1973. Channel tunnel by 1980. Government plans for going ahead with the Channel Tunnel and the rail link are presented in a White Paper published today. Mr. John Peyton, Minister for Transport Industries , said that the Government had decided , subject to the approval of Parliament, that it would be in the national interest for the Channel Tunnel to be built , together with a new rail link to London. If the Government's proposals are approved by parliament, the Tunnel would run from Cheriton, near Folksetone, to Frethun, near Calais, a distance of 32 miles, of which 23 would be under the sea. It would consist of two main tunnels , each carrying a single railway track and linked by a number of crossover, and a service tunnel. All being well, the main work would begin in 1975 and be completed in 1980. Photo shows Mr.John Pryton speaking at today's Press Conference on the Channel Tunnel White Paper, at the Department of the Environment. (Credit Image: © Keystone Press Agency/Keystone USA via ZUMAPRESS.com)