§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations have been made to him in respect of rural rail services, the investment required to maintain them and the possible closures arising from a lack of public support; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. Fowler[pursuant to his reply, 25 March 1981]: I have received many representations about rural rail services. As I have said, I can see no case for a further round of Beeching-type cuts and I am not prepared to see substantial closures of these services.
The Railways Board is currently developing the lightweight railbus, which could prove a major innovation for the rural services and help to ensure their future.