Re: Dr Beeching

[Andrew Biro <p.a.biro@mds.qmw.ac.uk>]

Andy Mabbett wrote:

> 
> Wasn't there a change of government between the plan being written and
> implemented? Or have I dreamt that?

Yes - absolutley.

I think in discussing the "Beeching" proposals it is easy to forget that
all closure proposals had to get Government approval - lines were closed
as a result of the Minister's approval. And in 1964 there was a change
from a Conservative to a Labour govmt. The majority of closures were
approved by a Labour Govnt. and by Barbara Castle who, subsequently, in
her 1968 Transport Act introduced the concept of a social railway with
subsidies to match.

But the "Beeching" closures were bi-partisan.

cheers

Andrew