§ Sir J. Rodgersasked the Minister of Transport when she will receive a deputation from hon. Members for East Grinstead, Reigate and the Sevenoaks divisions to discuss the proposed closure of the Hurst Green-Lewes railway.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe Railways Board have not yet published their proposals for this line. When they do so the statutory procedure will be invoked and, if objections are received by the Transport Users Consultative Committee, my right hon. Friend will have to decide whether or not to give her consent to closure. The best time for meeting with hon. Members will be when she has received and studied the Consultative Committee's report on hardship, details of alternative transport services in the area, the advice of the Economic Planning Council on the planning implications of closure, and information about other important matters such as road conditions. Any additional points which hon. Members wish to raise can then be considered before a decision is reached. We will write to the hon. Members concerned at the appropriate time.