§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the total number of miles of(a) passenger line and (b) freight line closed by British Rail in each year since 1970.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe total number of miles of passenger line closed by British Rail in each year since 1970 is as follows:
Year Miles closed 1970 290.5 1971 23 1972 51 1973 56.25 1974 — 1975 15 1976 — 1977 24 1978 — 1979 — 1980 — 1981 0.75 1982 1.25 1983 41.5 1984 — 1985 4 1986 2.5 Similar figures for freight lines closures are not readily available.