HC Deb 08 December 1987 vol 124 cc121-2W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the implications for the operation by British Rail of procedures involving the closure of lines of the recent decision of the Appeal Court in relation to the Wortley Curve; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

It is in the first instance British Rail's responsibility to consider the implications of the judgment.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to refuse any application from British Rail for closure of the Wortley curve.

Mr. David Mitchell

No. My right hon. Friend will consider any such application on its merits.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy that any public inquiry into a proposal to close the Wortley curve will have terms of reference to take account of the future social and economic effects of the closure.

Mr. David Mitchell

In considering any rail closure case, my right hon. Friend is already required by section 54(1) of the Transport Act 1968 to have regard to any matters which for the time being appear to him to be relevant, including any social or economic consideration.