§ Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will list in the Official Report those major airlines operating out of British Airport Authority airports (a) who accept disabled passengers confined to wheelchairs as normal passengers without extra charge, (b) who accept such passengers only if they pay extra charges, (c) who refuse to accept such passengers and (d) who nominally accept such passengers but in practice accord them no special assistance at all.
§ Mr. EyreI regret that the information requested is not available. I understand that most disabled passengers who are confined to wheelchairs do not require special assistance at the airports and that no extra charge is 373W incurred. In cases where an airline has to call for specialised lifting facilities, as for instance where the aircraft is not at a linked stand, a charge may be incurred, but I am told that as a general rule the cost is absorbed by the airline concerned. I am satisfied that the airlines are fully aware of the special needs of the disabled and, as far as possible, make every effort to meet these.