HC Deb 15 May 1963 vol 677 cc1314-5
10. Mr. Woodnutt

asked the Minister of Transport what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on where the burden of subsidy should fall when uneconomic railway services are kept open on proof of hardship.

Mr. Marples

Where I do not consent to a proposal from the Railways Board for the closure of a passenger service, any consequent financial loss borne by the Board in respect of that service forms part of the revenue deficit which, under Section 22 of the Transport Act, 1962, may be met by the Exchequer.

Mr. Woodnutt

In thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I draw his attention to a recent statement of his, reported in a special article in the Sunday Times, in which he said that local interests would have to bear part of the burden? I am wondering whether my right hon. Friend can explain that a little more. Has he in mind asking local authorities to bear part of the burden?

Mr. Marples

I do not know which particular reference my hon. Friend has in mind. All I have to say is that I cannot now commit myself to any undertaking that Exchequer assistance will be given. The great point is that each individual case should be looked at carefully and then we can see whether Exchequer assistance is needed.

Mr. Woodnutt

Can my right hon. Friend at least give an assurance that, where cases of hardship are not proved, he will give local authorities or local interests an opportunity of taking over these lines themselves?

Mr. Marples

That is a matter in the first instance for discussion between the authorities concerned and the Railways Board. If any local authorities have proposals to make, I hope that they will immediately go to the Railways Board and start discussions.

Mr. Strauss

Has not the Minister previously suggested that local authorities might be asked to bear the burden of keeping certain lines open? Have the local authorities any power to subsidise British Railways in this way?

Mr. Marples

It is a question not only of British Railways but of alternative services. The point is that one cannot decide upon Exchequer assistance until each individual closure has been investigated.