§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish in full the market research he has in his possession, including passenger attitudes towards(a) the desirability of keeping open, (b) the desirability of keeping open in the public sector and (c) the major purpose in closing the Settle-Carlisle railway; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloWe have studied carefully the report from the Transport Users' Consultative Committee which was submitted in 1986 and of which a summary has been published. We look forward to receiving a further report from it by 30 November. We have also seen the results of a survey undertaken by Cumbria county council into the usage of the line. It does not, however, cover any of the issues mentioned by the hon. Member. It would be for Cumbria to decide on the publication of its survey. British Rail has recently submitted its up-dated financial case for wishing to discontinue services on the line.