§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what account is taken by the Development Commission of the activities and potential of preserved railways in its overall plans; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneThe Development Commission is charged with assisting the social and economic development of rural areas. It has established priorities of helping to increase the number and range of job opportunities and of encouraging the maintenance and where possible, improvement of services, including transport, in rural areas. To the extent that preserved railways do or could help meet these objectives, the commission would be willing to consider whether it can provide assistance to them.