§ 63. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport, in view of the damage which proposed rail closures in and around Aberdeen will cause to industry, commerce and employment there, what alternative means of transport will be available to enable business to continue as heretofore.
§ Mr. MarplesAny existing alternative services, and any services the Railways Board propose to provide or augment, must be set out in the statutory notice of 83W closure. In the case of closure proposals affecting services in and around Aberdeen, the need for any further alternative services is, in the first place, a matter for consideration by the Scottish Transport Users Consultative Committee.
§ 64. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a further statement giving more details and dates of proposed railway closures in and around Aberdeen, to enable business and employment in the area to continue their operations.
§ Mr. MarplesThe Railways Board has given notice under Section 56 of the Transport Act, 1962, of the proposed withdrawal of the passenger services between Maud and Peterhead, Aberdeen and Fraserburgh, and Fraserburgh and St. Combs. As objections have already been lodged, these closures cannot take place without my consent. The dates on which notices of any other closures contemplated by British Railways will be given are a matter for the Railways Board.