§ 87. Mr. Clark Hutchisonasked the Minister of Transport if, in his consideration of the proposals submitted for the closure of railway lines north and west of Inverness, he is satisfied that adequate alternative means of transport are available; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarplesStatutory notice of these proposals is being published only today. They have now to go through the normal statutory procedure. I therefore cannot comment on them in advance. But I can repeat two assurances I have given on passenger closures generally. First, if I decide to consent to a closure I shall see that, where necessary, adequate alternative services are available. Secondly, I will consult my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, on all proposals in Scotland before giving my decision.