§ 25. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the criteria required to establish a socially desirable railway line and qualification for subsidy.
§ Mr. CarmichaelMy right hon. Friend considers each service on its merits. He takes account of all relevant social and economic factors, including the revenue and costs; the numbers of passengers and the purpose of their journeys; the distances and times involved; the availability of alternative means of transport; prospective developments in the area which might affect future use of the service; any means for reducing the loss; and any wider economic and regional planning implications.