§ 83. Sir P. Agnewasked the Minister of Transport if he will give a direction to the Railways Board to take action on that part of paragraph 17 of the Report of the Central Transport Consultative Committee which recommends that, as the Board may, on sections of line proposed for closure to passengers, be deliberately attempting to run down the demand pending the public hearing by reducing facilities and amenities in the meantime, these activities shall be discontinued in order to allay public concern.
§ Mr. MarplesThe Committee has made no recommendation but has drawn attention to the unfortunate impression which the public may form of what may be important changes in services for operational or commercial reasons. Such changes are entirely matters of management, and it would not be appropriate for me to give the Board a direction.