HC Deb 31 March 1971 vol 814 cc391-2W
147. Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how the social and economic criteria relating to the application by British Rail to close the Oldham-Rochdale line will be evaluated in his consideration of this application; and whether he will apply the same criteria that were applied in the cases of the Kentish Town-Barking, Broad Street-Richmond, and Witham-Braintree loss-making lines, which remain open.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

All relevant factors are weighed before any closure decision. No statutory closure proposals have been made for the three London services mentioned. But grant is to be withdrawn from all the London commuter services by 1973.