HC Deb 18 April 1988 vol 131 c533
1. Mr. Fearn

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding facilities for the disabled on public transport.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. Peter Bottomley)

We often receive representations. We work with the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, with transport operators arid authorities, and with vehicle designers and manufacturers to improve facilities for disabled people.

Mr. Fearn

Is the Minister aware that disabled people are being trapped in the London Underground, mainly because there are no notices at the top of escalators? They go down into the tube and then the escalators cease to run. A few weeks ago, 11 up escalators were not in service. Will the Minister confirm that he will do something about that? Will he also consider whether disabled people can be catered for when the Channel tunnel rail link is started?

Mr. Bottomley

On the hon. Gentleman's first point, I am sure that he will have contacted London Regional Transport direct, and perhaps we may take the matter from there.

The Channel tunnel will be a railway tunnel, and British Rail has made massive improvements in its facilities for disabled people. Both British Rail and the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee deserve to be congratulated.

Mr. Wigley

Will the Minister confirm that British Rail, in making those tremendous improvements, which I recognise, is made aware that disabled people have a need for toilets as well as seats? Will he discuss that point when opportunities arise? Will he confirm that the committee has links not only with railways and buses but with taxis and aeroplanes?

Mr. Bottomley

Yes. I ought to pay tribute to those who serve on the Baldwin committee, because they bring a great deal of expertise and concern to bear and provide assistance to the advisory committee and to the Department's disabilities unit. The nationalised industry operators and other private operators would do a great deal better to pay more attention to what is said on behalf of the disabled. People with mobility difficulties make up about 10 per cent. of the population.