§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Minister of Transport what is her policy towards the closure of intermediate stations on railway lines.
§ Mr. SwinglerMy right hon. Friend looks at proposals to withdraw passenger 57W services from intermediate stations in the same way as those for complete line closures. She takes account of considerations of hardship, in the light of the T.U.C.C's report, and of regional planning, in the light of the advice of the Regional Economic Planning Councils and Boards. She balances these against the expected savings to the Railways Board. In some cases closing intermediate stations snakes possible a better service for the remaining ones.