HC Deb 13 May 1964 vol 695 cc398-9
12. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take special steps to consult employers and trade unions before agreeing to rail closures in North Lanarkshire and other growth areas, in view of the inducement rail services offer for the attraction of new industries; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Galbraith

No special steps are necessary. The normal procedure for considering passenger closure proposals ensures that representations from local authorities, industrial and commercial interests, and the trade unions, are taken into account before my right hon. Friend makes his decision.

My right hon. Friend also consults his colleagues, the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Industry, Trade and Regional Development over these proposals. The Secretary of State for Scotland has at his disposal the assistance of the inter-departmental Scottish Development Group in addition to views conveyed to him by the Scottish Council and other interested bodies.

Mr. Dempsey

Is the Minister aware that what is not done is consultation between employers and trade unions at local level to determine this important issue? Does he not realise that the multitudinous items which consultative committees have to consider obscure from time to time the importance of attracting industry into areas such as Coatbridge and Airdrie and North Lanark, which are growth areas? Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that one of the first factors which is essential in attracting industry to an area is the effectiveness of the rail services and the suitability of sidings?

Mr. Galbraith

The Transport Users' Consultative Committee has only to consider hardship. The question of how the development prospects of an area will be affected by the removal of a railway line is something which my right hon. Friend considers in consultation with his right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland, in Scottish cases, and the President of the Board of Trade. These matters are carefully considered before my right hon. Friend comes to a decision. If he thinks that there might be future developments in an area, he sees that the railway track is kept in position.

Mr. Brewis

If hardship is shown by the Transport Users' Consultative Committee, will the Minister take it into account?

Mr. Galbraith

The Minister always takes account of what the Transport Users' Consultative Committee says.