Dr. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Defence how long he intends to keep the railway line from Fareham to Bedenham open for the exclusive use of his Department; and how much he pays for this facility.
§ Dr. David OwenWe have a requirement to use the railway line from Fareham to Bedenham for as long as it is necessary to convey armament stores to and from the armament depots in the Bedenham area. The alternative would be to carry explosives by road through densely populated areas.
The Ministry of Defence bears the cost of inspection and repair of the branch line outside the depot boundary; within the boundary the cost is borne by the Ministry of Public Building and Works. The cost fluctuates from year to year, but in 1969 the charge to the Ministry of Defence amounted to £14 for examination of the line.