§ Mr. Brewisasked the Minister of Transport (1) what local authorities, trade unions and other public bodies were consulted before she agreed to the removal of the railway track between Dumfries and Stranraer;
(2) whether she consulted the South-West of Scotland Economic Planning Group before she gave permission to the British Railways Board to remove the track of the Dumfries—Stranraer line; and what was the effect of the Group's recommendations;
(3) whether she will withdraw her permission to British Railways to lift the Dumfries—Stranraer railway track until the survey of the Scottish Tourist Board and Strathclyde University of the tourist potential of the region has been completed.
§ Mr. Monroasked the Minister of Transport if she will withhold permission from British Railways to lift the track from Dumfries to Challoch Junction until she has received a report on the future development of Dumfries and Galloway from the South-West Scotland Economic Planning Consultative Group.
§ Mr. John MorrisMy right hon. Friend gave the Railways Board her agreement on 20th December last to the disposal of the track and formation of this line. Before doing so she consulted the Government Departments concerned. In particular the proposal was carefully considered by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Scottish Economic Planning Board. The South-West Consultative Group, which reports to him, had not been appointed when she made her consultations. In considering the proposal she took full account of all aspects, including tourism, and I do not think the proposed study on tourism, whcih is not expected to be completed until mid-1968, reflects on her decision.