§ Mr. J. Maitlandasked the Minister of Transport if he regards the proposed closure of the branch lines to Skegness and Mablethorpe as major closures; and whether, in this case, it is the intention to keep these lines permanently open.
§ Mr. Tom FraserAs I indicated in my statement on 4th November, I mean by a "major closure" one which is likely to conflict with regional transport plans. I shall not be able to decide whether a particular passenger closure falls into this category until I have studied it either in advance of publication, under the special procedure announced in my statement, or in the normal course after receiving the report of the Transport Users Consultative Committee on hardship.
The Area Committee has held a public hearing on the closures mentioned in the Question but I have not yet received its report. Until I have examined it and the other aspects of the proposals I cannot say what my view will be.