HC Deb 01 December 1965 vol 721 cc1427-8
46. Mr. David Steel

asked the Minister of Transport what is the latest position regarding the future of the Waverley-Hawick-Carlisle railway line.

Mr. Swingler

My right hon. Friend is considering, in consultation with the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether to agree to the publication by the Railways Board of a proposal to withdraw passenger services from this line.

Mr. Steel

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many other main railway lines in this country have still to have their futures decided three years after the publication of the Beeching Report? I think that this line must be one of the last. Is the hon. Gentleman aware of reports that the Railways Board has turned down possible lucrative contracts in relation to this line in anticipation of closure?

Mr. Swingler

If the hon. Gentleman puts down a Question to cover the first part of his supplementary question, either my right hon. Friend or I will answer it. The second part of his supplementary question is not relevant to this issue, but I assure the hon. Gentleman that my right hon. Friend is considering the proposal about this service to decide whether or not it should go forward at all.