HC Deb 24 May 1979 vol 967 cc240-1W
Mr. Allen McKay

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the representation from industry, commerce and trade unions and the available evidence that the closure of the Woodhead route between Penistone and Manchester would have adverse consequences, he will now make a statement on the future of the route.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The future of this freight-only route is a matter of British Rail management to decide in the light of the commercial remit for freight. The British Railways Board will take no decision until current discussions with the rail unions are completed.