HC Deb 19 March 1984 vol 56 cc697-8
17. Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if, in view of Her Majesty's Government's policy to encourage cycle use, he will discuss with British Rail its arrangements for the carriage of cycles on trains.

Mr. David Mitchell

Yes, Sir. I think this may be useful, but most of the decisions on this subject are management matters for British Rail.

Mr. Cartwright

Is the Minister aware that where British Rail is introducing modern rolling stock with limited luggage space and no guards—notably on the Bedford to St. Pancras line—the carriage of cycles is forbidden? Will he ensure that British Rail's welcome modernisation does not mean that railway facilities are not available for cyclists or, indeed, mothers with prams or the disabled with wheelchairs?

Mr. Mitchell

The design of rolling stock is a matter for British Rail. We neither specify nor approve designs, which must remain a matter for the commercial and operational judgment of British Rail. Nevertheless, I shall keep those points in mind.