§ Mr. Harry Ewingasked the Minister of Transport what consultations have taken place with the general manager British Railways (Scottish Region), regarding the conditions of the tunnel at. Falkirk high station which has been closed since February of this year for safety reasons; and if he will make a statement on the future of this tunnel.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNo formal consultations have taken place since the maintenance of the tunnel in a safe condition is the responsibility of the Railways Board and not of the Government.
The intended closure of the tunnel was notified, however, to the Department's railway inspectorate, together with details of the repair and strengthening works that were to be undertaken. The board expects to complete the work and reopen the tunnel to traffic towards the end of this year.