§ 5. Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has received any proposals from British Railways regarding the closure of the passenger branch line in West Cumbria.
§ Mr. FowlerNo, Sir.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursIs the Minister aware that if West Cumbria is successfully to attract industrial development money, it will have to reassure industrialists that the West coast branch line will not be closed? Will he consider introducing protected routes in areas of industrial decline?
§ Mr. FowlerI am not quite sure what the hon. Gentleman means by protected routes, but no proposal concerning the line has been made to me. The hon. Gentleman knows my policy concerning such tires. I should have to grant permission for the line to be closed, and my decision would be made in line with my general policy of not wishing to see substantial closures in the system.