HC Deb 13 May 1959 vol 605 cc1246-7
51. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what reports he has had from the appropriate area consultative committee about the closing of branch railway lines serving Leek, Staffordshire; whether he is aware that the proposed closure of these lines will drastically curtail Leek's transport facilities; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Nugent

I understand that since 1956 the British Transport Commission has put no proposals to the West Midland Transport Users' Consultative Committee for the closure of railway lines serving Leek.

Mr. Davies

We are fully aware that the Leek-Churnet line is to be closed. Is the Minister aware that the very active town of Leek, with its important industries, is completely cut off by rail from Manchester, Derby, Stoke-on-Trent and Macclesfield? Is it not time that we looked into the whole purpose of the railway system? Ought not hon. Members on both sides of the House to ask themselves: is it to be a social service or must it all the time make a profit?

Mr. Nugent

I explained in answer to a previous Question that these points are not for me to answer. I do not doubt that the British Transport Commission will take note of what the hon. Gentleman has had to say.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there has been no change in the procedure and that where it is proposed that a line shall be closed the matter is referred to the appropriate consultative committee? Is this not the second time today that lie has said that he is not aware of these proposals and that they have not been referred to the committee? Apparently there are proposals and these closures are taking place. Has there been any change in the procedure?

Mr. Nugent

There has been no change in procedure. I do not doubt that there are many rumours when the B.T.C. is contemplating action of this kind, but neither in this case nor in the other have any proposals been put to the consultative committee.

Mr. Popplewell

Is the Minister aware that the Government are entirely responsible for the British Transport Commission now running at a loss of about £90 million a year and that it is appalling that the Commission should have to close down branch lines and stations when they are showing a slight deficiency? Will he not have further consultations with his colleagues and with the Commission so that the people in the areas concerned can have a better deal than they are now having?

Mr. Nugent

I do not for a minute accept the implications in the hon. Member's question. For one thing, but for the fact that the Government are financing the larger part of the £1,500 million modernisation scheme British Railways would not be running at all.