HC Deb 19 March 1984 vol 56 cc695-6
11. Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to travel in his official capacity on the Settle-Carlisle railway line.

Mr. David Mitchell

I plan to do so later this year.

Mr. Lewis

I am delighted that the hon. Gentleman will see the splendours of that line before he reaches a decision about the result of the Transport Users Consultative Committee inquiry. In making his decision, will he consider the various views expressed last week on both sides of the House? Will he take note of what hon. Members have to say about that line, rather than accept the spurious views of the British Railway's Board?

Mr. Mitchell

One cannot form a proper opinion on such matters by sitting at a desk in Whitehall, and therefore I shall certainly visit the Settle-Carlisle line or, as the hon. Gentleman prefers to call it, the Carlisle-Settle line. In making our decision we shall take into account what was said in the debate last week in the House and all the views of hon. Members.

Mr. Maclean

Will my hon. Friend take it from me that my constituents will be delighted at the announcement that he intends to travel on the Settle-Carlisle line? Will he accept that they were delighted when this matter was raised in the House last week? My constituents were delighted also at his answer that not only would certain points be made to the TUCC inquiry but that my hon. Friend was prepared to accept submissions. I hope that he will be prepared to do so.

Mr. Mitchell

My hon. Friend participated in a vigorous debate on this subject in the House last week on behalf of his constituents. I have undertaken to bear in mind all the points raised by him and other hon. Members.

Mr. Leadbitter

While the House is impressed by the fact that the Minister is to see the line, which is important, surely sufficient is known about the state of the line and the need for investment? Has he anything to say about the Government's attitude at this stage? If he is impressed with the view and the journey, will he have investment proposals that will keep the line open?

Mr. Mitchell

The line will remain open until the matter comes to the Secretary of State and myself for a decision. We shall reach a decision which will not be prejudiced by anything that is happening in the meantime.

Mr. Madden

In addition to travelling on the line, will the Minister consider the ways in which British Rail, by stealth and manoeuvre, has reduced revenue to the line by the removal of freight services, the closure of stations and appalling timetables? Will he study the potential that the line would have if it received the necessary investment and was marketed in the imaginative way required to increase its revenue?

Mr. Mitchell

These are matters for later consideration. It would be wrong for me to comment upon them at this stage. British Rail's decision to re-route the Nottingham to Glasgow service was taken on commercial grounds and resulted in considerable savings of rolling stock.