§ Mr. Bradleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now announce the outcome of the current review of outstanding rail closure cases.
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§ Mr. MulleyMy right hon. Friend has decided that it is in the public interest that current action on the following closure cases should cease and that the services should be covered by the first obligation to operate a railway passenger network which I shall be imposing on the Railways Board under Clause 3 of the Railways Bill which is to receive Royal Assent today.
Apart from the Haltwistle—Alston closure, which will proceed on the basis announced by my right hon. Friend to the House on 5th July, it is not possible as yet to come to a final decision on the other outstanding cases. These are:
- Cambrian Coast
- Kyle of Lochalsh—Inverness
- Ashford—Hastings
- Bedford—Bletchley
- Wimbledon—West Croydon
- Stockport—Stalybridge
- Colchester—Sudbury
- Maiden Newton—Bridport
- Runcorn—Helsby—Chester
- Gloucester (Eastgate) Station
- East Brixton Station
These services will of course be included in the railway passenger network which I shall be grant-aiding from 1st January next while they remain under review.