asked the Minister of Transport what information he has received from the Central Consultative Committee regarding the numbers of branch railway lines that have been closed in the county of Northumberland, the numbers that are still open, and the transport services that now exist in the areas where branch lines have been closed.

Since 1948 four branch lines have been closed completely and passenger services withdrawn on two others. Six branch lines are at present open to all traffic and a further six to freight only. The Consultative Committees considered the availability of alternative services when the closures took place, but I have had no recent report from them on this matter.