§ 57. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Transport when he expects additional bus services between Silverdale in Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Wedgwood factory to be authorised and provided; and on what date his consent, which is to be conditional on the provision of those bus services, to the closure of railway services between Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Silverdale will become operative.
§ Mr. MarplesMy consent made it clear that the rail services are not to be withdrawn until the additional bus services are available. The Railways Board cannot fix a firm date until the Traffic Commissioners have heard the bus operator's application for the necessary road service licence. I will let the hon. Member know the Commissioners' decision.