§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce legislation to prevent the surcharging of wheelchair-using passengers on the cost of loading and unloading wheelchairs onto aircraft. [84407]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonWe have no current plans to introduce legislation, but if the hon. Member wishes to write to me about particular instances of surcharging, 1 will be glad to consider them.
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what provision has been made for access for wheelchair users to(a) the London Underground and (b) the Jubilee Line; and if he will make a statement. [84406]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe existing London Underground network has approximately 40 stations with step free access.
The Government are very keen to improve access to the transport system in London. However, full accessibility cannot happen overnight, especially on London Underground where most of the stations are old and not designed with access for mobility impaired people in mind.
London Transport is developing a scheme to improve access to a core network of 68 Underground stations. This will be taken forward under the Public Private Partnership for the Underground.
The Jubilee line extension will be fully accessible and will enable wheelchair users to travel from mainline stations to Waterloo, Stratford and London Bridge stations to the Millennium Exhibition at North Greenwich.