§ Sir Ian Orr-Ewingasked the Minister of Transport whether he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the British Railways Board to maintain and improve commuter services into large cities, in view of the overcrowding at peak hours on existing transport.
§ Mr. Tom FraserSuch a direction, even if practicable, would not help to achieve the results the hon. Member has in mind. The Railways Board already takes careful account of commuter needs. It is also participating in the comprehensive transportation studies now in progress in London and most other large urban areas. These studies will provide a basis for co-ordinated development of transport services, including commuter rail services where appropriate. In the few cases where the Board has so far proposed closure of lines with substantial commuter traffic which could not be adequately catered for in other ways, I have 23W refused consent: I would, of course, do so again if the need arose.