§ Mr. Kitsonasked the Minister of Transport what steps she took to satisfy herself that adequate alternative bus services would be available before she approved the closure of the Northallerton-Ripon-Harrogate railway line; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MorrisMy right hon. Friend examined details of the use made of the rail services and studied the existing bus services in the area. The conditions of her consent to the rail closure included a requirement for certain extra services to be provided.
She can, however, vary the conditions of the consent at any time and she is 89W willing to consider any evidence based on experience after closure which may indicate that there is a case for improving the bus services to meet the needs of former rail users.