§ 41. Mr. Wallerasked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received about the future of the Settle to Carlisle railway.
§ Mr. David MitchellI continue to receive correspondence from hon. Members and the public. I am carefully considering all the points which have been put to me by them and the case for closure put to my right hon. Friend by British Rail.
§ 42. Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Transport if, pursuant to the answer of 30 June, Official Report, column 53, he will specify the complications delaying a decision on the Settle-Carlisle railway; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellI am keen to end the uncertainty about this line's future quickly, but I am obliged to weigh not only British Rail's financial case and the TUCC's report on hardship, but also all other relevant issues. These36W include, for example, the heritage, social and economic implications of closure and require careful analysis, quantification—so far as possible—and consideration.