HC Deb 18 July 1979 vol 970 cc1755-6
5. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement about the future of the Manchester to Sheffield via Woodhead railway line.

12. Mr. Flannery

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any proposals for closure of the railway line from Sheffield to Manchester via Woodhead.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I refer the hon. Gentlemen to the answer I gave to the Member for Penistone (Mr. McKay) on 24 May.

Mr. Bennett

The Minister will be well aware that for the past 12 months there have been rumours about the future of this railway line. Is it not high time that the rumours were scotched? Does he agree that with the energy crisis it would be crazy for anyone to contemplate abandoning an electrified line?

Mr. Clarke

I am aware of the rumours and the proposals. However, it is a freight-only line, for which the Minister's consent is not required. I am aware that the British Railways Board is discussing its proposals with the local authorities and the trade unions concerned. No doubt the board will make no decision until the consultations are complete.

Mr. Flannery

May I tell the Minister that only this morning I received a letter from the Sheffield district council enclosing a cutting from the local newspaper, the Sheffield Star, in which a leak has been reported that a decision has already been taken to close the line? Will he accept that we in the Sheffield area as well as our friends in Manchester feel that to keep the line would be as good as a public statement to the effect that the whole area is not to be run down? Is he aware that the trade unions and councils that are concerned at both ends of the line are deeply involved and extremely worried?

Mr. Clarke

If a decision has been taken, it has not been taken by Ministers. It is my understanding that the board appreciates the concern that has been expressed. It is involved in discussions with those to whom the hon. Gentleman has referred.

Miss Maynard

Will the Minister use his influence to ensure that the line is kept open? Surely it would be ludicrous to close it when British Rail is urging the electrification of the whole of its system. Would it not be better if the Minister helped to develop a better inter-city route and better inter-city services between Sheffield and Lancashire?

Mr. Clarke

That is for the board to decide, using its judgment of the traffic needs of the area. The board operates freight-only lines according to a commercial remit. It would not be right for Ministers to try to take powers that they do not have at present to interfere with decisions taken by the board concerning freight-only lines.

Mr. John H. Osborn

There are two routes, one going west from the Hallam constituency and the other over Wood-head. Is it not right to consider the alternatives? Is it not important to electrify the railway line running from London to Sheffield first?

Mr. Clarke

I have no doubt that the board will weigh the competing considerations and traffic needs before finally making its decision.