§ 69. Mr. DICKSONasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company are threatening to close down the line between Strathaven and Darvel; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the interests of the travelling public and of the farming community, who use the line for the receipt of seeds, manures, and implements, and for the despatch of produce?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. H. Gosling)I am not aware that the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company have actually threatened to close down the section of line to which my hon. Friend refers, but I understand that they do not consider that full effect has been given to the arrangements under which this line, which was partially closed during the War, was re-opened on the understanding that full use would be made of it by the farmers and others in the locality, and that they propose to discuss the matter with the parties interested.
§ Mr. DICKSONAm I to understand that the Government looks kindly on a railway company which proposes to take the fat of the land and leave the lean?
§ Mr. GOSLINGSo long as he does not include me, my hon. Friend can understand what he likes.
§ Mr. DICKSONI do not want to enter into a duel of humour with my hon. Friend I should easily lose. But I wish to have an answer to my question. This is not a humorous House