Concern was raised at a report in a Sunday newspaper suggesting that there might be a drastic slashing of rail services. The department denied that this is to be implemented, but the article had mentioned a reduction from 11,600 miles to between 7,000 and 9,000 miles. As far as Devon and Cornwall were concerned, services would cease west of Plymouth, and the line from Exeter to Reading would be discontinued. The line to Torbay would continue, but it was not clear whether trains would stop at Teignmouth or Dawlish.
