§ 21. Mr. Milneasked the Minister of Transport if he has yet received the report of the Transport Users' Consultative Committee following the hearing at Whitley Bay on Thursday, 19th March in regard to the proposed closure of the Blyth and Tyne line.
§ Mr. GalbraithNo, Sir.
§ Mr. MilneIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the need for a very early and favourable decision on this matter, in view of the number of industrialists seeking to move into the district affected by the proposed closure, and that such a decision will be beneficial to industrial development in the area?
§ Mr. GalbraithI understand that the North-Eastern Area Transport Users' Consultative Committee is well aware of that, but this is not the only case that it has to deal with. Many of these cases are very complicated. However, I am sure that what the hon. Member has said will not be lost on the consultative committee.
§ Dame Irene WardHaving seen the various proposals put forward, and the arguments on which Dr. Seething bases his proposals, will my hon. Friend see that alternative railways are available? Can he give a guarantee that where that argument is used it means that the railways will be available for ever? Otherwise it is quite a false basis on which to put forward such an argument.
§ Mr. GalbraithIt would be most unwise for me to undertake that anything would ever be there for ever. I could not give my hon. Friend that undertaking.
§ Dame Irene WardThen the argument is on a false basis.