HC Deb 06 December 1983 vol 50 cc103-4W
Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he last had discussions with British Rail regarding the financing necessary for services on the line between Llanelli and Shrewsbury; if he has received reports on the negotiations between British Rail and the county councils in Wales through which the railway line passes; and whether the councils will be providing greater financial support than hitherto.

Mr. John Stradling Thomas

I am aware that British Rail has approached the local authorities through which the line passes about the possibility of financial assistance towards the provision of infrastructure improvements. I have not had discussions with British Rail on this subject. Government support for the line is already provided by means of the public service obligation grant which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport agrees each year with the British Railways Board. The possibility of support from local authorities is for them to decide.

Year Ending New Planting Restocking Total
31 March Hectares Acres Hectares Acres Hectares Acres
1983 436 (1,077) 1,482 (3,662) 1,918 (4,739)
1982 326 (805) 1,524 (3,766) 1,850 (4,571)
1981 683 (1,688) 1,116 (2,757) 1,799 (4,445)
The corresponding figures in the 1970s were:
1980 797 (1,969) 1,241 (3,066) 2,038 (5,035)
1979 572 (1,413) 884 (2,184) 1,456 (3,597)
1978 769 (1,900) 937 (2,315) 1,706 (4,215)
1977 1,096 (2,708) 793 (1,960) 1,889 (4,668)

in each of the past five years; and whether it is his policy to encourage such schools when primary schools become too small to be viable.

Mr. John Stradling Thomas

There is no statutory definition of the term "area school". I shall write to the hon. Gentleman.