§ 56. Mr. Spriggsasked the Minister of Transport if he will give an assurance that it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government not to permit the closure of railway lines or stations which would result in road traffic congestion or dangerous traffic conditions in any area.
§ Mr. MarplesThe Government's policy in dealing with railway passenger closures is to take full account of all relevant factors, including the cost of any roadworks that may be needed and the extent to which roads may be made more congested or dangerous. In the major urban areas, where congestion is likely to be most serious, I shall if necessary defer my decision if I have not enough information to make a final judgment. And I shall certainly refuse 33W my consent to such a closure where it is clear that it would conflict with the right overall solution for transport in the area.