§ 63. Sir J. Vaughan-Morganasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the difficulty for local authorities in preparing their cases before the Transport Users Consultative Committees, he will take steps to increase the period for notification from six weeks to three months, excluding the months of August and September.
§ Mr. MarplesNo, Section 56(7) of the Transport Act, 1962, lays down the period during which objections can be lodged. In effect, it provides for not less than seven weeks' notice.
§ 64. Sir J. Vaughan-Morganasked the Minister of Transport whether he will give a general direction to the Railways Board that, before any proposals for closures are published, due notification should be given to all local authorities, including parish councils, to ensure that local opinion is given an adequate opportunity to express its opinions before the Transport Users Consultative Committees.
§ Mr. MarplesNo. Section 56 of the Transport Act, 1962, requires the Board to publish a notice, not less than six weeks before carrying its proposal into effect, in two successive weeks in two local newspapers circulating in the area affected and in such other manner as appears to them appropriate. In fact, the Board will also be sending copies of the notices to local authorities, including parish councils, in the area and to the hon. Members whose constituents are affected. Copies will also be put on stations affected.