§ Mr. Priorasked the Minister of Transport whether, in his examination of the particulars of passenger closure sent to him by the Railways Board, he will require or accept submission by authoritative bodies such as county councils or Members of Parliament in order that in his preliminary investigation he may be 95W informed of main and general objections to closure.
§ Mr. Tom FraserThe object of my preliminary investigation is to avoid unnecessary public discussion of proposals which are clearly unacceptable, at least for the time being. This object would be96W defeated by consulting the local authorities at this stage.
I shall, of course, welcome and take fully into account representations from local authorities and hon. Members on matters other than hardship, after any proposal has been formally published.