§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Transport what account he took, in drawing up his legislative proposals and financial arrangements for London Regional Transport, of the needs of the unit for disabled travellers.
§ Mrs ChalkerThe London Regional Transport Act 1984 gave LRT a new statutory duty to have due regard to the transport needs of disabled people. LRT established their unit for disabled travellers in the light of that duty.
The Government's revenue support grant to LRT does not include any specific provision for disabled travellers or for the unit: it is a general grant towards all of LRT's needs.
§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Transport what funds were allocated to the unit for disabled travellers of London Regional Transport in 1984–85; and what is the amount planned for 1985–86.
§ Mrs. ChalkerAllocation of funds within LRT is a matter for their Board, bearing in mind their statutory obligations and the objectives set for them by the Secretary of State.
§ Mr. John Fraserasked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had recently with London Regional Transport about providing a comprehend-sive public transport system for the disabled.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI have regular meetings with the chairman of LRT, Dr. Bright, and with his colleagues, and transport for disabled people is a frequent subject of discussions. I aim to ensure as far as possible that, whoever provides the services, transport for disabled people is sensibly co-ordinated.