CROSS-Channel operators have attacked a French government plan to give financial aid to SeaFrance to counteract the loss of duty-free from June 30.
The French economic and transport ministers have put forward proposals to recapitalise SeaFrance, which could lead to the writing off of debt.
A Eurotunnel spokesman said that if the French government went ahead with its plan to give financial aid to SeaFrance, then it should offer the same help to every other cross-Channel operator.
P&O Stena Line has also criticised the deal.
SeaFrance managing director Robin Wilkins said: “The French government are our shareholders so they are bound to support us. P&O Stena Line shareholders will support them and Eurotunnel shareholders will support them.”
Meanwhile, the Duty-Free Confederation said a meeting with Customs and Excise to discuss a replacement system had proved fruitless. A spokesman for the DFCsaid the whole thing is a complete mess.