§ 16. Mr. Duffyasked the Minister of Transport on how many days this winter the A.62 between Huddersfield and Oldham has been blocked by snow at Standedge; and what are the corresponding figures for the previous three winters.
§ Mr. Tom FraserAt no time this winter or during the winters of 1961–62 and 1963–64. But during the bad winter of 1962–63 the road was blocked on four occasions by snow.
§ Mr. DuffyWhilst I am obliged to my right hon. Friend for that Answer, may I ask if he is aware that I am informed that this road was blocked just a week 394 ago? Is he aware that, even on the four occasions which he has mentioned, the only movement on this route was by rail, yet all the local stations are threatened with closure? Even the route which links Manchester and Leeds via Diggle, is not one of the trans-Pennine routes scheduled for development according to the February Report of the Railways Board. Will my right hon. Friend please bear in mind his Answer to me when he takes a final decision about rail transport in the Saddleworth and Colne Valley urban districts?
§ Mr. FraserI will certainly take account of what my hon. Friend has said when a proposal to withdraw a railway service comes before me for decision. I am sorry if I am misinformed about the conditions a week ago. My hon. Friend's Question went down before the snowstorm of last weekend and I wondered whether we would have a blockage at that time to report. The result of my inquiry shows, however, that there was no blockage last weekend.
§ Mr. WebsterDoes not the Minister regret that his hon. Friend was not prevented from getting to his constituency on 12th February and casting aspersions on part of this House?