§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that public on-train telephones are equipped with induction loops; and what steps his Department has taken in pursuing this matter with the Office of the Rail Regulator. [17931]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Regulator will be reviewing his Code of Practice for Disabled Passengers in the New Year; the revised Code will take account of the regulations made under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The draft regulations include a proposal that on-train telephones are equipped with inductive couplers.
§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the proposed regulations for railway rolling stock under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will ensure that public on-train telephones are equipped with induction loops. [17932]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonWe are currently drawing up draft regulations for railway rolling stock under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. They will be issued for public consultation early in the New Year.
The regulations cover a wide range of features to ensure that disabled people can travel on trains in safety and with reasonable comfort. The draft regulations include a proposal that public on-train telephones are equipped with inductive couplers.