HC Deb 28 April 1970 vol 800 cc1034-5
15. Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction to British Railways that seat reservations for the seriously disabled will be effected without charge.

Mr. Murray

No, Sir. This is not an appropriate matter for a general direction.

Mr. Marten

Whilst I recognise the Minister's limitations here, will he nevertheless specifically invite the Railways Board just to show a little touch of generosity over the matter, as it used to do?

Mr. Murray

There are certain limited concessions that the railways allow, such as the booking of reserved seats in trains which do not normally have reserved seats.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Crossman.

Mr. Murray

I will pass on the observations of the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) to the Railways Board.

Mr. Ashley

Is my hon. Friend aware that the indifference of British Rail has created considerable distress and resentment among many severely disabled people, because they are sometimes shunted into the guard's van if they cannot afford reservations? Will my hon. Friend make the strongest possible representations on this issue?

Mr. Murray

Yes, Sir.