§ 14. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport if he will vary the conditions on which railway closures in and near the county of Aberdeen were agreed to, as the alternative bus services are inadequate, infrequent and too expensive.
§ Mr. SwinglerIf my hon. and learned Friend has any concrete evidence that any essential needs are not being met, I should be grateful if he would send it to me.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Minister know that evidence has been already adduced showing that not only individuals but whole communities have been frustrated in their communications by many of these closures, thereby increasing unemployment and frustrating trade development in and around Aberdeen? Will he look into this with a view to applying some constructive ideas to it?
§ Mr. SwinglerWe are prepared to look into it. We have received, however, no general complaint against the closures to which our predecessors gave consent. 1316 If my hon. and learned Friend can supply specific evidence, we are quite prepared to vary the conditions.