Single-Track Lines (Western Region)

HC Deb 10 August 1966 vol 733 c1686

34. Mr. Mathew

asked the Minister of Transport if she will give a general direction to the Railways Board not to introduce single-track lines in the Western Region.

Mr. John Morris

No, Sir.

Mr. Mathew

Will the hon. Gentleman advise his right hon. Friend to reconsider this decision? Is he aware that the Western Region Railways Board is singling the line between Salisbury and Exeter, and that this is almost certainly contrary to Section 43 of the Salisbury and Yeovil Railway Act, 1854?

Mr. Morris

I cannot without notice comment on the last point. All that I would say about the singling of the track is that it is an operational decision for the Railways Board. After singling, it considers that the track will meet the needs of the area. As the hon. Gentleman will be aware, this line was carrying a very substantial deficit and the Board is making every effort to retain the line and to ensure that it is run in as efficient a manner as possible.