HL Deb 12 May 1964 vol 258 cc123-5

2.48 p.m.

LORD WISE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majety's Government whether, in view of the relinquishment of Sculthorpe Air Station by the American Forces, and the probability of its future use for industrial and residential purposes, the decision to close the passenger railway service to Fakenham and other nearby stations will be held in abeyance.]

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, there is no R.A.F. requirement for the airfield after the U.S.A.F. have vacated it, but the Ministry of Defence have still to establish whether either of the other two Services need it. If the station is not required for defence purposes it will, in the usual way, be offered to other Government Departments and will come on the market only if none of them wants it. It would not, therefore, be reasonable for my right honourable friend to ask the Railways Board to delay the closure of the Fakenham services in case some development takes place on this site at some time in the future.

LORD LINDGREN

My Lords, can the Minister not say whether or not planning is part of transport; that there ought to be a transport relationship to planning; and that, therefore, if there is likely to be industrial or domestic development in this area, the transport arrangements ought to be part of the consideration?

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, I think I have frequently said that my right honourable friend is anxious about these situations, and does take into consideration developments when he comes to consider whether or not to give his consent to a passenger closure proposal. I think I have said that many times. But in this particular case, there are no plans before him, and, as I have just explained, there are none at the moment.

LORD SHEPHERD

But, my Lords, would not the noble Lord agree that if, as I take it, there are very serious considerations taking place for the development of this airfield for industrial purposes, and the Minister proceeds to close this service for passengers, then whatever chance there may be of developing this area will have gone for good? Would there not be a case for the Minister's delaying his decision in the matter to ensure that, if it is possible to develop this airfield for industrial purposes, that will be done?

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, I must ask the noble Lord to study the terms of my reply. He suggests that this planning is well under way; but my information is that the question is almost a hypothetical one.

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, is the noble Lord not aware that East Anglia is included in the South East Plan for development? Is he not further aware that this site will be used either by a Government Department or, if they do not require it, for industrial purposes; in other words, that there is bound to be a number of people employed and living in that area? Is that not an argument for deferring action until the Government know the nature of the development which will take place?

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, I think that such planning and use are hypothetical. I have explained the position at present, and the noble Lord has again brought forward something which does not seem consistent with my reply, and I think that it is rather unreasonable to suggest delaying action.

LORD WISE

My Lords, it is within my information that this particular line between East Dereham and Wells will be closed on or after October 1. Would it not be sensible and decent on the part of the Minister to hold in abeyance the closing of this line until after the General Election?

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, I know what are the noble Lord's views about the use of this base, because he told the House on April 15 what they were. But, as I understand the position, those are the noble Lord's views.

LORD TAYLOR

My Lords, the noble Lord said that the situation with regard to planning in East Anglia is fluid; and, indeed, it was inevitably fluid in the South East Plan. Can the Minister assure us that, where these railways are closed, they will be closed in such a way that they can be reopened, if that should be necessary, in the near future?

LORD CHESHAIVE

My Lords, I hesitate to correct the noble Lord; but I have not said any such thing. The only plan I mentioned is for the use of Sculthorpe air base. I have made no mention of a plan in East Anglia being fluid. I explained carefully the position regarding Sculthorpe air base.