HC Deb 17 November 1952 vol 507 c1400
62. Colonel J. H. Harrison

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission, under Section 4 of the Transport Act, that, where branch railway lines are discontinued, the track should be removed at all level crossings and the road made good.

Mr. Braithwaite

My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the railways do everything possible to recover the track where the lines have been closed and are unlikely to be required in future. No question of a direction arises.

Colonel Harrison

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind in particular the old disused railway between Haughley and Lax-field, in my constituency, where we bump over level crossings in lorries and motor cars to the great detriment of those vehicles?

Mr. Braithwaite

Yes, Sir. My hon. and gallant Friend will doubtless be aware that the railways have a liability to maintain the roads at level crossings in a fit and proper condition, whether the line is used or not.