§ Mr. Barnettasked the Minister of Transport if she will come to a quick decision to allow the line to remain open between Oldham and Rochdale and thus relieve the anxiety of people in the area of Royton, Shaw, Milnrow and Newhey, particularly in view of findings of the committee that widespread hardship would be caused if the line were to close.
§ Mr. SwinglerMy right hon. Friend fully appreciates the local anxiety for an early decision. However, further investigation of the Railways Board's proposal is needed now that the closure of the Manchester-Oldham section of the line has been refused. She will make her 19W decision at the earliest possible time, but I cannot at present forecast just when this will be.