HC Deb 10 February 1947 vol 433 cc32-3
68. Mr. Douglas Marshall

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider making representations to the different transport authorities requesting them to allow the blind facilities to travel with a guide on payment of one fare, and the issuing of a card similar to that issued by the L.P.T.B., in order to facilitate travel for the blind, as evidence of this nature enables proof to be made without examination or inquiry.

Mr. Barnes

For travel on the road services of the Board a card, available for a period, is issued upon submission of a certificate as to blindness. It enables the concession to be claimed for travel on business purposes only. On the rail services of the Board and of the main line companies the concession is available for business journeys and for certain other journeys. A certificate is required for each journey, except in the case of season tickets, and relates riot only to blindness but also to the purpose of the journey. Such certificates are issued by the Ministry of Pensions, and by recognised associations for the blind who can obtain forms from the railway companies. I have no reason to think that these arrangements arc not satisfactory.

Mr. Marshall

Is the Minister aware that there are certain services which do not make this arrangement? Will he put pressure on those services?

Mr. Barnes

If the hon. Member will give me any specific instances, I shall be delighted to deal with them.