§ Commander Purseyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many railway employees in the Hull area have been rendered redundant as the result of the closing of the Hull and Barnsley railway, and of what grades; how many are at present unemployed; and what steps are being taken to provide alternative work for them.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThis line has not been closed. The proposal to close it between Little Weighton and Wrangbrook Junction was considered by the Central Transport Consultative Committee on 10th March, and I expect to receive its conclusions very shortly. If it is decided to close the line, it will be for the British Transport Commission to deal as far as is possible with any redundancy by transfers and other adjustments in consultation with the staff in accordance with the redundancy agreements. The local offices of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service will do all they can to find alternative employment for any who may eventually need it.