§ Mr. James Davidsonasked the Minister of Transport if he will give an undertaking that the railway track between Aberdeen and Ballater will not be lifted or dismantled for a period of five years, in view of the expected development in the area.
§ Mr. John MorrisAt the time my right hon. Friend the Member for Hamilton (Mr. Tom Fraser) gave his consent to the closure of the line to passengers he informed the Railways Board that he would not be prepared to agree to the disposal of the track for the time being between Aberdeen and Banchory.
Notwithstanding the new policy my right hon. Friend has announced today on the disposal of redundant assets on 287W closed lines this arrangement will continue. If and when the Board does seek her approval to disposal of the track she will obtain the view of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland before giving her decision. The arrangement will also apply to the track between Banchory and Ballater.