HC Deb 21 April 1969 vol 782 cc25-7
11. Mr. Ronald Bell

asked the Minister of Transport what consultations he had with users of the railway service or local authorities before recommending the diversion of the High Wycombe-Marylebone service to Paddington.

Mr. Carmichael

We consulted the South-East Economic Planning Council, whose advice reflects regional considerations. All those concerned will have full opportunity to make their views known before any decision is taken.

Mr. Bell

Surely the South-East Economic Planning Council's members are not exactly the same sort of people who use the railway service from South Buckinghamshire to London. Would it not be better to ask those who use the railway what they would like in service, treating them as customers?

Mr. Carmichael

People who use the line will have full opportunity to make their views known if the decision is made to publish formal closure proposals. There will be the usual procedure by which they will be able to appear either collectively or individually before the transport users' consultative committee. Of course, the Greater London Council will be formally consulted in accordance with the provisions of the Transport (London) Bill.

Sir R. Russell

What has been done to advertise the services, particularly from the two Wembley stations into Marylebone? Will any extra services be run next Saturday to cope with the Cup Final crowd, so as to help London Transport?

Mr. Carmichael

The last question is one for London Transport, who should be aware of the date of the Cup Final. This service is being heavily grant-aided and we believe that my right hon. Friend's proposals could give a better use of the amount of the grant. This question is being discussed—not the number of passengers, but the fact that the service could, apparently, with little inconvenience compared with the money spent, be taken to Paddington instead of Marylebone.

12. Mr. Ronald Bell

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the light of representations made to him since November last, he will now withdraw the proposal which he made to the railway authorities that the High Wycombe service should be diverted from Marylebone to Paddington.

Mr. Carmichael

No, Sir. As explained in Answer to the hon. Member on 28th March, there appear to be major advantages in this proposal which merit full consideration.—[Vol. 780, c. 383–4.]

Mr. Bell

Surely the hon. Gentleman could not deny—he did not try to—that he must have received overwhelming opposition to this proposal from the travellers. If that is so, are they to be ignored? Are their views about what constitutes advantage and disadvantage to be ignored?

Mr. Carmichael

My right hon. Friend pays great attention to the views of all the local bodies, which have, as I said earlier, the right to appear before the transport users' consultative committee. Many other organisations and departments are consulted, as well as the local authorities. There is a long procedure before a final decision on whether to close a line is taken.

Mr. Molloy

I am sure that what my hon. Friend has said is right, that his right hon. Friend has studied the representations of the people involved, but does he not think that he should dispense with this proposal, since most local folk are bewildered about it? I believe that he should reconsider.

Mr. Carmichael

I have every sympathy with my hon. Friend, but my right hon. Friend has great difficulties. This service attracts a grant of over £500,000 and he must, in the public interest, ensure that the best possible use is made of this line and the greatest possible economy made compatible with a reasonable service to the public.