§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Minister of Transport what is the subsidy from public funds for the Wrexham-Birkenhead railway line; and whether any proposals have been put to him for its closure.
§ Mr. FowlerSome services on the Wrexham to Bidston section of this line are supported by Clwyd county council. Its contribution amounted to £63,000 in 1979–80, and I understand that it is currently discussing with British Rail what contribution it might make for 1980–81.
Other passenger services on the line benefit from central Government subsidy paid under section 3 of the Railways Act 1974. This subsidy is paid towards the passenger line as a whole, recognising that it is not possible to allocate all costs systematically to individual services without making arbitrary judgments.
I have received no proposals for the closure of this line.