§ 54. Sir D. Rentonasked the Minister of Transport why he has not made a grant under Section 39 (1) of the Transport Act, 1968, to British Railways to enable them to keep open the railway line from Cambridge to St. Ives, in view of the hardship that many people, including students, will suffer when this service is closed to passenger traffic.
§ Mr. CarmichaelNo final decision can be taken on the future of this passenger service until the Area Transport Users' Consultative Committee has reported to my right hon. Friend on any hardship that might be caused by its withdrawal.
§ Sir D. RentonAs the Minister will have the last word, will he bear in mind that St. Ives is a rapidly growing place and that large and increasing numbers of people go from St. Ives to Cambridge for employment, hospital visits, education, shopping and many other purposes? Is that not a strong reason for making a special grant in this case?
§ Mr. CarmichaelAll these will be reasons and factors taken into account by my right hon. Friend when he gives his decision. He will consult all the bodies and Government Departments in the area which are likely to be affected by any decision he makes,