§ 12. Lieut.-Commander Maydonasked the Minister of Transport if he will now make a statement on the future of the Somerset and Dorset railway line.
§ Mr. Tom FraserI hope to be able to reach my decision on the proposal for closure of passenger services after receiving the views of the South-Western Region Economic Planning Council and Board on any planning implications the proposal may have.
§ Lieut.-Commander MaydonDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that this 424 matter is of grave concern to people living in both the counties concerned, and in neighbouring counties for that matter, and that this very long delay is having a grave effect on public opinion, on planning for industry and on people's private affairs?
§ Mr. FraserYes, Sir. I realise that this case has taken a very long time. My predecessor asked for a further report from the Transport Users' Consultative Committee as long ago as January, 1964, but the report was not received from the T.U.C.C. until December, 1964. In view of the statement which I made a few weeks ago, it seemed to be essential for me to give the South Western Region Economic Planning Council and Board an opportunity of commenting before I reach a decision.