HC Deb 04 July 1962 vol 662 cc539-40
28. Sir Richard Pilkington

asked the Minister of Transport what estimate he has made of the increase in road traffic which will be needed if the present proposals for cutting branch lines are carried out.

Mr. Marples

When proposals for the closure of branch lines come before me I take into account in each case the possible effect on road traffic. In most of the current cases the use made of the line is so small that the transfer of the traffic to road will have no appreciable effect.

Sir Richard Pilkington

In principle, would it not be unwise to decrease rail traffic, of which we have too little, and increase road traffic, of which we have too much?

Mr. Marples

It depends on the circumstances of each individual case.

Mr. Strauss

Is the right hon. Gentleman denying, as he appeared to be doing in answer to earlier Questions, that the proposals of Dr. Beeching, if implemented, will mean an immense diversion of traffic from rail to road? Does he take into account in calculating costs the cost of road-widening and so on and the accident rate, which is likely to go up? Will he consider all that when this major operation takes place, as promised by Dr. Beeching and supported by himself?

Mr. Marples

We ought to wait until we know what the proposals are. The right hon. Gentleman and hon. Members opposite are leaping to the argument as though they know exactly what Dr. Beeching is to propose. I do not know and he does not know, and how the right hon. Gentleman knows passes my comprehension.

Mr. Strauss

Has the Minister read Dr. Beeching's report in which he talks of drastic changes, drastic cutting down of branch lines and stopping trains, and so on? Is it all bluff? Does it mean nothing?

Mr. Marples

I have said that it will go before the Transport Users' Consultative Committee which will decide on questions of hardship and make recommendations to me. We will then see what alternative services are needed. But until we get the facts, it is no good going on trying to prophesy what will happen when we do not know what lines are to be closed. It is a profitable exercise politically, but sterile economically.