HC Deb 04 July 1962 vol 662 cc538-9
20. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Transport what plans he has for maintaining effective transport facilities in the north-east of Scotland following the closure of railway services in that area, in view of the effect that reduced facilities would have on the prosperity of the area.

Mr. Marples

I know of no proposals for the closure of railway services in north-east Scotland. But under the procedure proposed in the Transport Bill I shall have power to require the provision of alternative services in the light of the report which the Scottish Transport Users' Consultative Committee will have to make to me on any proposed passenger closure.

Mr. Hughes

Does the right hon. Gentleman never read the newspapers? If he has no other sources of information, will he educate himself on this subject? Will he consult the President of the Board of Trade in order to change their joint policy of isolating north-east Scotland— a policy which is so damaging to the trade, industry and employment of that area— for one which will be beneficial?

Mr. Marples

Reading newspapers is not necessarily the same thing as being educated. I read them frequently and I see more rumours in them than come from anywhere else, except from Transport House. As I have said, there are no proposals at the present time, and therefore the hon. and learned Member's supplementary question is hypothetical.

Mr. Manuel

In considering proposals which will come to him in due course after the passing of the Transport Bill, will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Secretary of State for Scotland before taking steps to close any of the Highland lines and agree with him on what road adaptations, expenditure and equipment will be necessary in the Highlands to provide the travel facilities which would be necessary upon the closure of railway lines?

Mr. Marples

If and when proposals come to me I will certainly consult the Secretary of State.

Mr. Popplewell

The right hon Gentleman's answer is rather thin. Is he not aware that there are several proposals before the Transport Users' Consultative Committee to close some branch lines not only in Scotland but in Wales as well? As the final arbitrator of the decisions of the Committee, will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that, before he agrees to any further closures, he will see that alternative transport is available for the inhabitants of these sparsely populated areas?

Mr. Marples

I said that I knew of no proposals for the closure of railway services in north-east Scotland. If and when they are proposed to me, the Consultative Committee will report on the hardship involved and on what alternative services may be necessary to alleviate it. That will be studied carefully.