Settle-Carlisle Railway Line

HC Deb 09 March 1989 vol 148 c631W

Mr. Curry

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will make a statement on the future of the Settle-Carlisle railway line.

Mr. Portillo

My right hon. Friend will make a statement when he has fully considered all the evidence. We are, however, conscious that the continuing uncertainty may cause difficulty to businesses in the area of the line. We therefore wish to make it clear that, whatever decision my right hon. Friend reaches on the closure case, he will not permit British Rail to withdraw its services at least until mid-October, when the timetable for all British Rail services changes.