asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction to the British Railways Board that they should not take into account in any figures prepared in connection with future rail closure proposals any loss incurred directly as a result of the suspension of service by the Board on the lines in question during the recent work-to-rule.

A general direction for this purpose would be inappropriate. But in considering any closure proposal for which figures covering the period in question were relevant I would, of course, takes these circumstances into account.