§ 14. Mr. Will Owenasked the Minister of Transport, in view of the proposed closure of the railway service covering Widderington, Pegswood, and Alnwick in the County of Northumberland, and the proposed modification of the service between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Berwick, and of the inadequacy of existing alternative transport services, what action is being taken to ensure adequate transport facilities; and whether she will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MorrisIn this case, as in other proposed rail closures, my right hon. Friend will carefully study the existing alternative services and any additions that may be suggested before reaching her decision. She will take account of the report of the Transport Users Consultative Committee on possible hardship and of any advice the Regional Economic Planning Council may give on the planning implications of the proposal. If she were to give her consent to the closure she would ensure that adequate alternative services were provided and that they were available before the closure took place.