Barbara Castle – 1966 Refusal to Suspend Rail Closures Until Planning Councils Met

The comments made by Barbara Castle, the then Minister for Transport, in the House of Commons on 9 February 1966.

Mr. Park asked the Minister of Transport if, following her discussions on the matter with the chairmen of the regional planning councils, she will now suspend all railway closures pending her review of Government policy on the coordination of transport services.

Mrs. Castle No. But if, following comments from a planning council on a particular proposal, I decide that closure would conflict with developing plans and policies I shall either refuse my consent or defer my decision.