§ Mr. G. Elfed Daviesasked the Minister of Transport (1) what assurances he will seek that the alternative services he has stipulated before the closure of the Porth to Maerdy branch line is permitted will not be discontinued without good reason after the closure takes effect;
(2) if he has now decided upon the date for the closure of the Porth to Maerdy branch line for passenger traffic;
(3) if he is aware of the application of the Rhondda Transport Company to restrict the present Maerdy to Cardiff bus service; and what action he proposes to take in the light of his decision to close the Porth to Maerdy branch line.
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§ Mr. MarplesThe Railways Board are free to withdraw the Porth-Maerdy rail passenger service as soon as they comply with the conditions attached to my consent. I understand that applications for road service licences for the extra bus services I have stipulated have been submitted to the Traffic Commissioners, but have not yet been heard.
The application by the Rhondda Transport Company to which the hon. Member refers is still before the Traffic Commissioners. As published, it is for a small reduction in a service between Pontypridd and Cardiff, and will not affect services between Porth and Maerdy nor, except for one bus per week, from Porth to Cardiff.
Under the terms of my consent the Board must arrange to notify me of any proposal to withdraw or substantially reduce the frequency of the additional services or of certain existing services, including that between Maerdy and Cardiff. I have power, if I think it necessary, to direct the Board to secure the restoration of such services.
§ Mr. G. Elfed Daviesasked the Minister of Transport what steps he proposes to take to improve the condition of the road from Porth to Maerdy in view of the increased volume of traffic that this road may be expected to carry as a consequence of the proposed closure of the Porth to Maerdy branch line for passenger traffic.
§ Mr. MarplesThe improvement of this road is a matter for the responsible highway authority, the Rhondda Borough Council. I am satisfied, however, that improvement will not be necessary as a result of the rail closure.