§ Mr. Eric Martlew (Carlisle)I wish to present a petition from my constituents who are deeply concerned about the possible closure of the Settle-Carlisle line on economic, social and environmental grounds.
Wherefore your Petitioners pray that the Settle-Carlisle railway and the associated Blackburn-Hellifield railway will be retained as an integral part of the national railway network.And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray etc.
§ To lie upon the Table.
§ Mr. David Curry (Skipton and Ripon)I wish to present a petition, signed by 10,000 people, concerning the future of the Settle to Carlisle railway.
British Rail has applied to the Secretary of State for leave to close the line and the Government have shown their preference for selling it to the private sector.
The petitioners think that the line should remain part of the British Rail network. The line, notably the magnificent Ribblehead viaduct, lies partly within my constituency. The Government should take to heart the importance of securing the long-term future of the line, which stands alone in Britain in bringing together the magnificence of human engineering and some of the finest landscapes in the United Kingdom.
§ To lie upon the Table.