§ 19. Mr. K. Lewisasked the Minister of Transport if, before consenting to proposals for the closure of railway stations, he will ensure that car parking facilities will be increased at those main line stations which can expect more passengers as a result of the closures.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettAs my right hon. Friend told the House on 29th April, we recognise the special problems of parking and travel which rail closures in urban areas may create. Similar problems may arise elsewhere. In considering proposed closures my right hon. Friend will take into account all relevant factors, including, where necessary, parking facilities. The Railways 1316 Board is well aware of the importance of providing parking space to meet its passengers' needs.
§ Mr. LewisIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the hon. Member for Rutland, having been threatened with the extinction of his county, is now faced with the loss of all his railway stations? Will he bear in mind that those supposedly more efficient counties outside of Rutland have not got adequate parking facilities, and that this will really have to be looked at if we are to have extra car parking facilities and places for buses near the stations, if and when the new services are put on?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettYes, we do appreciate that, but I must point out to my hon. Friend that although my right hon. Friend has no direct powers to compel the Railways Board to provide parking places, in giving his consent to the closure of a station one of the conditions might well be the provision of parking places at an adjacent station.