§ 71. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Transport if he will suspend further decisions on rail closures, pending a judicial ruling on the right of objectors before the transport users' consultative committees to challenge the facts and figures presented by the Railways Board.
§ Mr. MarplesNo. I am not aware of any reason why I should not continue to carry out my statutory responsibilities and I propose to do so.
§ Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the Transport Users Consultative Committee's report which has been made to him on the hardships involved in closing the passenger train service between Newcastle and Newbiggin, Monkseaton, Blyth and Newbiggin and Newsham and Blyth, he will refuse the proposed closure.
§ Mr. MarplesI received the report of the Transport Users Consultative Committee on the proposed closure of these three services on 25th May. I am now considering the proposals in the light of the report and of other relevant factors. I cannot yet say when I shall be able to reach a decision.