§ 41. Mr. Darlingasked the Minister of Transport if he will refer to the appropriate transport users' consultative committee the proposal to close stations and depots on the former Great Central line between Marylebone and Sheffield, and the proposal to curtail present services of freight and passenger trains on this route.
§ Mr. HayThe railway regions concerned will, I understand, in due course submit proposals to the transport users' consultative committees of the areas affected.
§ Mr. DarlingIs the Joint Parliamentary Secretary aware that what is happening now on this line is that the Transport Commission, instead of putting forward an overall plan to the Central Consultative Committee, is putting forward detailed plans to each local committee and is proceeding with closures before receiving the views of the local committees, even though no alternative transport is provided? In those circumstances, does not the hon. Gentleman agree that we need an overall plan to go to the Central Consultative Committee rather than to proceed in this piecemeal fashion?
§ Mr. HayNo, Sir. As I understand the situation, the regions have not yet put forward their proposals to the area committees. Until they do that—and that is the normal practice in these cases—I am afraid that neither my right hon. Friend nor I have any standing in the matter.
§ Mr. DarlingWhy have proposals on this line been put forward to the staff consultative council before any proposal has been made?
§ Mr. HayBecause I understand that that is the normal practice. The men are usually consulted through the national conciliation and discussion machinery before the various projects are put forward. That is an entirely different matter from putting forward proposals for the closure of a line or 387 the withdrawal of a service to various area transport users' committees.
§ Mr. DarlingIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.