Mr. Baker White:

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that it has been announced that the Elham Valley line of the S.R. is to be closed to both goods and passenger traffic as from 16th June; that this closing down will cause great hardship to farmers, traders and the public in general; and if he will make a statement.

I am informed that the Elham Valley line will be officially closed to passenger and goods traffic as from today. The number of passengers using the line averaged only about a dozen a day in each direction, and the district is well covered by bus services. Parcels and "smalls" traffic can be delivered from Canterbury and Shorncliffe stations. Thu, railway company will continue to provide facilities on the branch for dealing with the small quantity of full truck load goods traffic until satisfactory alternative arrangements have been made.

Mr. White:

Will the Minister represent to the railway company that the cutting off of present supplies of coal and agricultural supplies will cause the greatest inconvenience over a considerable area?

I am informed that only six wagons a day come in and only one wagon a day goes out on this particular line, but in any case I have indicated that the company are going to see that that continues until other arrangements are made.