Worksop-Retford Railway

HC Deb 24 January 1973 vol 849 cc442-3

9. Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current annual subsidy for the Worksop-Retford railway line.

Mr. Peyton

The only available figures relate to the Sheffield-Lincoln and Sheffield-Cleethorpes passenger services, both of which use the Worksop-Retford line. The respective grants for these services are estimated at £331,000 and £233,000 in 1973.

Mr. Ashton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that my constituents consider that this is money very well spent if it keeps heavy lorries and juggernauts out of this rural area? Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that this line will not be curtailed or closed in the next 10 years?

Mr. Peyton

I cannot give any such undertaking for 10 years, nor could any Minister in respect of any line. However, there are no current closure proposals.