§ Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Transport if he will consult the Minister of Housing and Local Government about the proposed new towns at Skelmersdale and Risley, in view of the need for adequate transport facilities for these towns; what decision he has reached on the proposal to close the Glacebrook, Risley and Culcheth railway line; and what approval he has given for capital expenditure on modernisation of the existing lines and for expenditure to link with new lines Manchester, Glacebrook, Risley, Culcheth, Skelmersdale and Liverpool.
§ Mr. MarplesMy right hon. Friend and I always consult together about the implications for transport of proposed new towns, and in particular about the possible effects of passenger closure proposals. I am in touch with him about the implications of the Wigan-Glazebrook proposal, on which I have not yet reached my decision.
The provision of new railway services is a matter for the British Railways Board; the Board have made no proposals for capital investment on the lines referred to in the Question, but if, as plans develop, railway investment seems desirable, I have no doubt that they will consider it.