§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission to stop the closure of branch railway lines in Scotland, in view of the need for bringing industry, employment and population to the depopulated parts of Scotland.
§ Mr. MarplesNo. Under the existing arrangements, the British Transport Commission submits all proposals for such closures to the Scottish Transport Consultative Committee, which thus has an opportunity of assessing the factors to which the hon. and learned Member refers. I have power to give a direction to the Commission on any recommendation which the Committee may make in the light of its consideration.