§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What response they have made, or will make, to the criticism that the Transportation Strategy 632WA Review contains no detailed recommendations to improve public transport for the elderly and for people with disabilities.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Lyell)The review of the transportation strategy is an integral part of the Belfast Urban Area Plan, which is strategic in nature and is concerned primarily with land use issues. Interested parties were invited to submit their views at the outset of the plan preparation. No specific representations were received at that stage about improvement of public transport facilities for the elderly and the disabled.
The preliminary proposals document which was published for public consultation in May 1987 contained a transportation strategy framework based on the report and recommendations of the consultants appointed to carry out the review. Several organisations have responded to the preliminary proposals by submitting representations relating to the interests of the elderly and the disabled, and these are being considered. There will be further opportunity for comment when the draft Belfast Urban Area Plan is published shortly.