§ 11. Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Minister of Transport if she will give a general direction to British Railways that, once she has rejected a rail closure proposal, no further application for closure shall be made for at least 10 years.
§ Mr. John MorrisNo, Sir. Changes in the pattern of social and economic development make it impossible to prejudge the circumstances that may affect tae future life of a line or service over such a long period.
§ Mr. AtkinsIs my hon. Friend aware that when British Rail management proposes closure it does nothing to make the line more attractive but, rather, it stems to run it down, with the consequence that, if it is able to come back frequently over a certain period, having left the line much as it was or having run it down, potential custom is deterred? Further, is he aware—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. There are many Questions on the Order Paper. I call the Minister to reply.
§ Mr. MorrisWhen my right hon. Friend makes a decision, she does on occasion seek to add to the decision by saying in what circumstances she would be prepared to look at it again. My hon. Friend must be aware that sometimes conditions change and, while it is important to infuse as much certainty as possible—this is my right hon. Friend's intention in announcing the 11,000 miles basic railway network map—one cannot prejudge matters over such a long period as he has in mind.