§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what discussions he has had with local authorities and the Railways Board regarding the effect of the Board's plans for the future use of Newcastle-Darlington coast railway line on the development plans for the region, and especially the Hartlepools; and what has been the result.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe North East Development Group, whose Chairman is an official of my Department, meet British Railways regularly to discuss railway communications in the North-East. They 99W understand that British Railways are considering a possible reorganisation of services on the Newcastle-Sunderland-Middlesbrough line, but have not yet reached conclusions. I am well aware of the importance of adequate communications in regional economic development.