Buntingford-St. Margaret's Line

HC Deb 11 November 1964 vol 701 c66W

39. Sir D. Walker-Smith

asked the Minister of Transport what action he proposes to take in regard to the British Railways Board's decision to close the Buntingford-St. Margaret's passenger rail service as from 16th November.

Mr. Swingler

As my right hon Friend said in his policy statement last week, he has no power to reverse a consent to a closure given by his predecessor. We have, however, received some representations about the alternative services, and these we are considering.

Mr. W. Wells

asked the Minister of Transport whether he intends to proceed with the closure of the railway line from Buntingford to St. Margaret's for passenger services.

Mr. T. Fraser

Consent was given to the closure of the passenger service on 10th September, and I have no power to withdraw it. It is now entirely for the Railways Board to decide whether to proceed with closure.