§ 38. Mr. McNamaraasked the Minister of Transport if she will defer any decision on the proposed withdrawal of passenger services between New Holland and Cleethorpes until after the report of the Humberside Feasibility Unit has been published.
§ Mr. John MorrisMy right hon. Friend is at present in consultation with the Economic Planning Council for Yorkshire and Humberside about the regional planning implications of this proposal and she would certainly not give her consent until she had obtained their advice.
§ Mr. McNamaraIs my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable feeling on Humberside that, if this rail link is closed, it will be followed by the closure of the ferry before a bridge can be built and that this could have serious economic consequences for the development of Humberside as a whole?
§ Mr. MorrisBefore reaching any decision, the full views of the Economic Planning Council will be before my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Ronald AtkinsIs the Minister adequately informed about the long-term effects of rail closures on planning?
§ Mr. MorrisYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has the advantage of the advice of the Economic Planning Councils at various stages of any proposals for rail closures. She also enters into full consultations with all other Government Departments directly involved.
§ Mr. WebsterWill that advice be published?
§ Mr. MorrisThe advice is, of course, confidential.