§ Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Transport what action he intends to take to ensure that branch lines, essential in rural areas, should continue.
§ Mr. FowlerAs I have always made clear, I am not prepared to see substantial cuts in the rail passenger network. I am glad to see that the board is now looking at new ways of reducing costs on rural branch lines. I am now discussing with it a demonstration project for developing and proving low-cost operating techniques, including the running of lightweight rolling stock, on a rural line.