§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Minister of Transport, in view of the report of the transport users' consultative committee for the North-Eastern area regarding the Carlisle-Newcastle train services, if she will now give her decision as to whether this line will remain open, with a better service.
§ Mr. John MorrisThe Committee reported to my right hon. Friend recently on the hardship which would be caused by closing 10 stations and a short section of duplicate line on this route. She is studying the Railways450W Board's proposals in the light of the Committee's report and of all other relevant factors, but I cannot yet say when she will reach her decision.
There is no proposal to close this line to all passenger services. According to the Board, if the closures took place they would result in some acceleration of the fast and semi-fast services between Newcastle and Carlisle.