§ 88. Sir F. Markhamasked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction to the Railways Board to give adequate notice to the county and district councils concerned when a decision is made to close goods-only stations or to reduce goods services at other stations; and to ensure, in the event of 38W local protest or objection, that a full investigation is made before such closure or reduction.
§ Mr. MarplesI gave the Railways Board, on 29th July, directions and determinations under Section 54 of the Transport Act, 1962, about the publication of advance information of its plans for the discontinuance of all goods services from any station, depôt or siding. These were designed to ensure that all concerned had adequate notice. I circulated the details in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for Oldham, East (Mr. Mapp) on 31st July.
I am sure the Board will give full consideration to any objections or representations it receives on proposals affecting goods services, and I do not think that this would be an appropriate matter for directions by me.