§ 42. Mr. Gwynfor Evansasked the Minister of Transport what recommendations she has received from the Transport 416 Users' Consultative Committee in regard to the Whitland-Tenby-Pembroke line; and what action she proposes to take.
§ Mr. John MorrisMy right hon. Friend has received a comprehensive report from the Transport Users Consultative Committee. She is now studying this and will also be consulting the Secretary of State for Wales and other colleagues concerned before taking a decision.
§ Mr. EvansIs the Joint Parliamentary Secretary aware that this line is vitally economically necessary to a substantial part of South-West Wales and that its closure would further depress an area which suffers more than most—[Interruption.]
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. It is difficult for the Chair to hear the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. EvansI was asking the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the closure of this line would further depress an area which suffers more than most from depopulation, from unemployment, and from under-development, evils which the Welsh people associate now with the Socialist Government?
§ Mr. MorrisI am personally aware of the importance of this line. This is why it is important to study its future very carefully. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will acknowledge that, if it is decided to keep the line open, the Transport Bill provides the means for paying for these lines.