§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Minister of Transport what saving there will be to his Department's social subsidy bill as a consequence of the closure of the direct Edinburgh-Perth rail service.
§ Mr. MurrayThe total annual savings in real resources from the closure of the section of track between Cowdenbeath North Junction and Bridge of Earn, including Kinross Junction station, will substantially exceed £100,000 per annum. About £45,000 of this will be absorbed by the increased train mileage now being operated under the revised pattern of service. The remainder of the savings will accrue to a very large number of services, including at least ten grantaided services, spread over a very wide geographical area. Comparison of 1969 with later years is further complicated by changes in cost levels. I regret, therefore, that it is not possible, without a disproportionate amount of work, to provide the information in the form requested by the hon. Member.