asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now considered the recommendation of the Central Transport Consultative Committee that the Westerham—Dunton Green branch railway line should be retained.

I have carefully considered this case but I am unable to agree with the Central Committee's conclusion that closure of this line, and adoption of the railway's alternative proposals, would cause undue social hardship. I have therefore informed the Chairman of the British Transport Commission that he is free to proceed with the closure as soon as arrangements have been made for the necessary augmentation of the bus service. This will not be before the introduction of the winter time-table on 11th September and may be later.