§ Mr. Rowlandasked the Minister of Transport if, in reaching his decisions on railway closure proposals in the area around the Birmingham conurbation, such as the modification of the Birmingham-Tamworth-Derby services, he will bear in mind the view expressed in the West Midlands Regional Study that such closures should not prejudice plans for a better long-term distribution of growth, or conflict with lateral planning of transport in the urban complex.
§ Mr. Tom FraserCertainly. Moreover, as I explained in my statement of 31st March, I have arranged to obtain the advice of the regional Economic Planning Council on each rail passenger closure proposal which comes before me.