HC Deb 08 April 1964 vol 692 cc203-4W
29. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement on the report of the Transport Users' Consultative Committee on the proposed railway service withdrawals in the north and north-west Highlands.

41. Mr. Willis

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet received the report of the Transport Users' Consultative Committee on the proposed railway closures north and west of Inverness; and if he will make a statement

61. Sir J. MacLeod

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the report of the Transport Users' Consultative Committee on the proposed passenger service withdrawals north and west of Inverness.

Mr. Marples

As I said in reply to the hon. Member for the Western Isles (Mr. Malcolm MacMillan) on 23rd March, I received these reports on 23rd March. I should like to thank the Committee for the speed with which it has dealt with these important and complex cases. I am now considering the proposals in the light of the reports and all other relevant factors, in consultation with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State. He received the views of the Highland Transport Board only last Friday. I therefore cannot at present say when I shall be able to reach my decisions.

51. Mr. Manuel

asked the Minister of Transport what reassessment has taken place concerning decisions to close railway lines, or to withdraw passenger trains, in the area now designed in the plan for central Scotland.

Mr. Marples

My decisions on proposals to close rail passenger services have all been taken in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and have taken account of plans for the development of Central Scotland. There is no need to reassess these decisions.