HC Deb 13 May 1964 vol 695 cc397-8
6. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Transport what conditions he has imposed with reference to the closure of the Fraserburgh-St. Combs railway service relating to the provision of bus services and as to certain road works; why he has not imposed similar conditions in the case of the closure of the Elgin-Lossiemouth services; what is the result of his consideration of the other two proposals for closures in North-East Scotland; and if he is aware of the difficulties of citizens there who are deprived of rail transport by these closures.

Mr. Galbraith

My right hon. Friend's consent to the closure of the passenger service between Fraserburgh and St. Combs is conditional on the provision of at least 12 bus services a day between Fraserburgh and St. Combs, but he has stipulated that it must not take place until 30th April, 1965, so as to allow certain road works to be completed.

While the Board must inform him of major changes in certain bus services, he found no reason to impose any other conditions on the closure of the Elgin-Lossiemouth service. We know of no difficulties caused by this closure, which took place last month, but if the hon. and learned Gentleman has any evidence we shall be glad to look at it.

My right hon. Friend has not yet completed his consideration of the proposals to close the passenger services to Fraser-burgh and Peterhead.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the hon. Member realise that the difficulties, frustrations and complications referred to in my Question are inflicting grave losses and damage on Aberdeen City and County and the areas which have trade and business with the City of Aberdeen and are increasing the number of unemployed people in the City and County? Will he look into this matter again with a view to ensuring that the frustrations and difficulties to which I have referred are rectified?

Mr. Galbraith

I cannot accept what the hon. and learned Member says. I do not think that the closure of the Fraserburgh-St. Combs line or the Lossiemouth-Elgin line can have any effect—or at least they will have very little effect—on prosperity in Aberdeen.

Mr. Loughlin

Can the hon. Gentleman say what effect the closure of the Badminton line will have on the prosperity of Badminton?

Mr. Speaker

Not on this Question.

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