§ 48. Mr. Godman Irvineasked the Minister of Transport why, without awaiting the outcome of the discussions taking place between the Ashford, Hastings and New Romney Joint Committee with the Railways Board and the 51W bus company, his letter of 22nd October, 1969, varied the conditions set out in the annex to the letter of 7th August, 1969, addressed to the Chief Secretary, British Railways Board; and if he will now withdraw his letter of 22nd October.
§ Mr. MulleyI varied the conditions of consent to this rail closure because I was satisfied that the National Bus Company's revised proposals for replacement bus services were better than those in the original conditions; and because I considered it undesirable for the necessary application to the Traffic Commissioners for a road service licence to be delayed any longer. The matter will now be for the Traffic Commissioners' consideration, and Local Authorities have statutory rights of representation to them.