Backbench Conservative MPs were reportedly worried about the political impact of some of the more extreme cuts proposed by the report, especially as a general election was thought likely to be held in the near future. Meanwhile George Younger, then the Scottish Secretary, stated that the Government had no intention of allowing drastic cuts to Scotland's railway services. Mrs Thatcher herself made it known that decisions on the report would not immediately be taken and it was anticipated it would be shelved until after the general election.