§ Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Transport what are the criteria of social need he adopts when overruling a British Transport Commission proposal to close a branch railway line.
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§ Mr. MarplesIn considering recommendations made to me by the Transport Users Consultative Committees about railway closures, I take into account all the factors which they bring to my notice. These normally include the financial savings which the British Transport Commission hopes to achieve and the Committee's assessment, in the light of the alternative services which will be available, of any hardship which may be caused to users. I have not so far given a direction to the Commission about a closure.