HC Deb 11 July 1988 vol 137 cc87-8W
47. Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received against closure of the Settle-Carlisle section of British Rail since his announcement of 16 May; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

My right hon. Friend and I have received over 500 representations. My right hon. Friend's view remains as announced to the House on 16 May.

Mr. Curry

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is yet in a position to give the name and address to use for the British Rail official whom the board is to appoint as project officer for its disposal of the Settle to Carlisle railway line.

Mr. David Mitchell

I am pleased to say that the British Railways board has now appointed Mr. Chris Lewin as its project manager to co-ordinate private sector proposals for the line. He is being assisted by Mr. Michael Roberts of Lazard Brothers & Co. Ltd., of 21 Moorfields, London EC2 (Tel. 01 588 2721).

All private firms and individuals who may be interested in bidding for the line should contact Mr. Roberts in the first instance. He will arrange for them to receive a brochure setting out key information about the line. The brochure is expected to be available at the end of July.