§ 51. Mr. Warbeyasked the Minister of Transport if, in the public interest, he will give a general direction to the Railways Board not to proceed with the implementation of further closures of passenger services before 7th November, 1964.
§ Mr. GalbraithNo.
§ 79. Mr. Jegerasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the efficient working of the port of Goole and of the shipyards at Knottingley will be adversely affected by the proposed withdrawal of railway services; and whether he will give an assurance that he will not take a final decision on these closures until the National Ports Council has had an opportunity to consider the situation and to tender advice to him in pursuance of its functions under the Harbours Bill.
98W
§ Mr. GalbraithMy right hon. Friend only comes into proposals to withdraw railway passenger services. The Railways Board is free to make its own decisions on freight services.
Before reaching his decision on opposed passenger closure proposals affecting this area my right hon. Friend will take into account any representations made to him about the effect of the closure on the port or on industry. If these suggest that the efficient working of the port is likely to be affected my right hon. Friend would consider seeking the advice of the National Ports Council.
On hardship to users he will, of course, pay close attention to what the Transport Users Consultative Committee say in its report to him.