§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what funds he intends to make available to British Rail to enable the recommendations arising from the Clapham disaster to be carried out on the east coast line.
§ Mr. PortilloI refer the hon. Member to the reply to the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 4 December at column 88. As my right hon. Friend has told the House, finance will not stand in the way of implementing the report.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list British Rail lines in Wales closed to passengers in each year since 1979; what discussions he has had with British Rail about the lines which could be reopened for the use of passenger services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloBritish Rail was given consent to close the Vale of Rheidol line last March. This railway is a narrow gauge steam railway which was operated principally for538W tourists. The line was sold to Brecon Mountain Railway Ltd. and has continued to operate to a similar timetable. No other BR line in Wales has been closed since 1979.