§ 22. Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he has taken to ensure that Railtrack provides improved access and facilities for disabled passengers at railway stations under its control. [13039]
§ Mr. WattsMy right hon. Friend will be bringing forward regulations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 which will require that all new trains be accessible by disabled passengers. Stations are covered by the requirements of the Act, which gives a right of access to disabled people.
§ Mrs. ClwydDoes the Minister appreciate that removing staff from stations, as is happening at the moment, makes many stations inaccessible? There is no point in having a ramp installed at a station if no one is there to put it in position. Many disabled passengers are being disadvantaged by that situation.
§ Mr. WattsSome train operators have on-board ramps, which are operated by staff on the train. As a result, access can be provided even at unmanned stations.
§ Mr. FabricantIs my hon. Friend aware that facilities for the disabled have improved since privatisation of the British Airports Authority and British Airways? Does that not augur well for the privatisation of British Rail?
§ Mr. WattsIt does not surprise me in the least that services to passengers of industries which have been privatised have improved. Like my hon. Friend, I look to the privatisation of the railways to improve the situation further.