HC Deb 08 March 1967 vol 742 cc1504-5
7. Mr. Manuel

asked the Minister of Transport in how many cases she has refused consent to rail closure proposals since 22nd December, 1965; and for what reasons.

Mr. John Morris

My right hon. Friend has refused consent to proposals to discontinue railway passenger services on 15 lines and from 3 individual stations. In addition, she has refused consent to proposals for closing 23 individual stations on lines otherwise approved for closure. In general, she was not satisfied that suitable alternative arrangements were practicable.

Mr. Manuel

Will my hon. Friend inform the Minister that we on this side give full support to her on these decisions? Would he agree that an appeal should be made in these areas, both to industry and the people generally, to give support to the railway lines that have been kept open in order that they may become more viable?

Mr. Morris

I am not sure that my right hon. Friend appreciates the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question. In reply to the second part, I am sure that a great deal can be done by the general public and the local authorities to ensure that rail services are maintained and well patronised.

Mr. Webster

When will the Government publish the Marplan Report, which surveys how much substance there was in anxieties about hardship at the time of projected closures?

Mr. Morris

As the hon. Gentleman should know, there are four Questions on the Order Paper about that matter.

15. Mr. Manuel

asked the Minister of Transport in how many cases she has refused consent to rail closure proposals in commuter areas; and to what extent her refusal has increased the railway deficit.

Mr. John Morris

My right hon. Friend has refused consent to the withdrawal of passenger services from seven lines and from seven stations in commuter areas. The savings denied to the Railways Board amount to about £500,000 a year.

Mr. Manuel

Can my hon. Friend tell the House when legislation will be introduced based upon the Transport White Paper and if it will contain provisions for these deficits now being carried by British Railways to be met by a subsidy of some form?

Mr. Morris

My right hon. Friend has declared her policy of relieving the Railways Board of the cost of those services which are recognised as socially necessary but which are, inevitably, unremunerative. My hon. Friend must await the terms of the Bill which my right hon. Friend will publish.

Back to