HC Deb 10 August 1966 vol 733 cc1679-80
6. Mr. Henig

asked the Minister of Transport how many miles of electrified railway lines have been closed to passenger services in the last two years; and whether she will introduce legislation to give her the power to reopen them.

Mr. John Morris

Nine miles. I can give the assurance that, wherever it becomes clear that passenger services on closed lines are needed as part of the future transport system of an area, my right hon. Friend will ensure that they are provided.

Mr. Henig

As at least some of these railway lines—this is certainly true of two—were closed at a time when no social criteria were taken into account in determining whether or not railway lines should remain open, may I ask whether my hon. Friend will agree to reopen, for instance, the electrified line from Lancaster to Morecambe?

Mr. Morris

I am given to understand that there is no case for doing so on social grounds.

Mr. Fortescue

In the light of that reply and representations which the Minister has recently received from the Liverpool City Council, will the Minister reconsider the withdrawal of passenger services from the Liverpool-Gateacre line?

Mr. Morris

That is a quite different matter, and the Minister has taken a decision on it.