HC Deb 23 January 1980 vol 977 cc417-8
17. Mr. Myles

asked the Minister of Transport if he is satisfied with the provision of facilities for disabled people on trains and in stations.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Facilities on trains and stations are the responsibility of the British Rail board. However, I know that it has already taken a number of steps to cater for the special needs of disabled people.

Mr. Myles

Will my hon. Friend the Minister ensure that provision is made for the disabled on the Inverness to Aberdeen train? That is often the only way that the disabled can travel in the North-East of Scotland.

Mr. Clarke

I shall consult the British Rail board about facilities on those particular trains. British Rail is anxious to improve facilities and the most modern stock contains elaborate provisions for the disabled and caters for wheelchairs and other necessities.

Mr. Gordon Wilson

Will the Minister consider that British Rail, by attempting to cut costs in ticket collection, has reduced staff? Certain stations in Glasgow that formerly had two exits now have only one. That causes difficulty to the disabled and perhaps the Minister will discuss that with the chairman of British Rail.

Mr. Clarke

The question of the particular number of entrances and exits to a station must be taken up with the board of British Rail. The design and rebuilding of modern stations now takes full account of the 1970 Act, and the need to make provision for access for disabled people at all stages of boarding a train.

Dr. Glyn

Does my hon. Friend agree that the question of the carriage of disabled people cannot be dissociated from the carriage of bicycles and British Rail's policy concerning what can be carried? I reinforce the words of my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Mr. Steen) concerning the considerable disadvantages suffered by commuters as they are not allowed to put bicycles on commuter trains.

Mr. Clarke

My right hon. Friend the Minister has already dealt with the question of bicycles and we realise that there is a great concern. However, the disabled are a separate category, although they are equally important. As I have said, British Rail makes considerable efforts to accommodate the disabled on trains.

Forward to