Railway Network Map

HC Deb 08 March 1967 vol 742 c1508

25. Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the Minister of Transport when she proposes to publish her railway network map.

Mrs. Castle

On 15th March. I hope to make a statement to the House that morning.

Mr. Lewis

May I assure my right hon. Friend that railwaymen in particular will certainly welcome her statement as a change from the Beeching Plan?

Mrs. Castle

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. I think that when he sees the network map he will realise how fortunate it is for people who believe in the railway system of this country that we have had a change of Government.

Mr. Peter Walker

Would the right hon. Lady confirm that her map will indicate what she has already indicated in the White Paper—that during the period of office of this Government more railways have been closed than during the 13 years of the Conservative Government?

Mrs. Castle

It will reveal nothing of the kind, because that remark is untrue. More mileage was closed during the last year of the Conservative Government than during the whole lifetime of this one.