§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Minister of Transport (1) on what date British Railways consulted the Minister before issuing the advance notice of the closure of the Wareham-Swanage branch railway line;
(2) whether, before agreeing to the issue of an advance notice of the closure of the Swanage branch railway line, she took into account the parking difficulties which face the motor vehicles of residents during the summer season and the mileage covered by double yellow lines in the town of Swanage;
(3) whether, before agreeing to the issue of an advance notice of the closure of the Swanage branch railway line, she took into account the number of schoolchildren transported by rail to Swanage railway station.
§ Mr. John MorrisThe British Railways Board requested my right hon. Friend's agreement, on 20th September, 1967, to the use of the medium of two national newspapers for publication of advance notice under Section 54 of the Transport Act, 1962, of their plans to close this line. Her agreement to the method of publication did not involve her in consideration of any of the detailed matters mentioned by the hon. Member.
If, after formal publication of the proposal under Section 56(7) of the Act, objections are lodged, closure cannot take place without my right hon. Friend's consent, and all relevant matters will then receive her careful consideration.