HC Deb 24 July 1963 vol 681 cc1438-9
13. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Transport what provisional estimate for necessary road improvements was made by his divisional road engineers as a result of their first examination of the Beeching Report.

Mr. Marples

My divisional road engineers have made a broad examination of the consequences of possible rail closures in their areas, but they have not yet beenable to advise me what particular road improvements may be needed; obviously this must await the detailed examination of each closure proposal. No estimate of cost is therefore possible at this stage.

Mr. Digby

Have these investigations taken fully into account the additional traffic at holiday times in the holiday areas where railway lines will be closed and holiday-makers will be able to travel only by road?

Mr. Marples

They will be. The proposals are only those of the Railways Board. Each closure proposal will come before the Minister and then the question of alternative means of transport, the number of buses on the road, the extent and strength of the road and whether it is necessary to widen it will be taken into consideration.

Mr. Webster

As the closures represent a saving of central funds, will my right hon. Friend consider making a sizeable contribution from central funds to improve roads in areas where there are rail closures?

Mr. Marples

We had better look at each case on its merits.

Mr. Barnett

May I ask whether when deciding about the closing of a line the Minister will take into account the probable cost of supplying road transport facilities?

Mr. Marples

Yes, Sir.