§ Mr. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish in the Official Report the procedure necessary and the criteria to be satisfied for his consent to any British Railways' proposal to close a line carrying freight only.
§ Mr. HoramThe Railways Board is not required to seek my right hon. Friend's consent for any proposal to close a line carrying only freight traffic. The only statutory requirement is that, under section 54 of the Transport Act 1962, it must give the public such advance notice of its intention to discontinue a freight service as we may determine.
§ Mr. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will discuss with the chairman of British Railways the proposed closure of the Buchan line; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HoramI understand that the British Railways Board is considering closure of this freight-only branch line because in its view neither the present nor projected volume of traffic warrants the292W major expense of track renewal which is now becoming due. The Board is at present consulting local organisations about this proposal and no final decision has yet been taken. Should the Board, after consultation with interested parties, decide on closure, my right hon. Friend's consent would not be required.