§ Q4. Mr. John MacLeodasked the Prime Minister whether the public speech of the Secretary of State for Scotland in Sutherland on Saturday, 25th August, 1962, stating that no railway line in Scotland would be closed unless there was adequate alternative provision for passenger and freight transport, represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland was repeating the assurance he gave to the House on 19th July last year that where a railway closure is the right course in the long run, the Government will ensure that it is not carried out in such a way as to leave an area bereft of adequate facilities for transport of passengers or freight.
§ Mr. MacLeodI thank the Prime Minister for that reply. Will he announce that it is Government policy to retain the main lines to the North, to Inverness, the Kyle of Lochalsh and to Wick and Thurso, because there is no adequate alternative transport discernible for that area in the foreseeable future, and uncertainty about the closure of the railway lines is hampering any potential development and growth in that grossly under-developed area?
§ The Prime MinisterIf my hon. Friend's premise is right, his conclusion is right.
§ Mr. J. HyndCan the Prime Minister add to that information by telling us how the Government will ensure that any alternative road services will be made permanent if the railways are closed down'?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that these matters had better be dealt with when we have the main discussion on the railway programme when it is fully available.