HC Deb 18 January 1982 vol 16 c27W
Sir David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what have been his Department's specific contributions to the International Year of the Disabled.

Mr. David Howell

My Department's specific contributions to the International Year of Disabled People were a major conference "Transport without Handicap" in March 1981; an exhibition on transport and disabled people, which toured all parts of the United Kingdom last summer and was visited by over ¼ million people; and a national rally for disabled drivers held at Silverstone in June 1981. These events were intended to promote a greater awareness and understanding of the transport problems facing disabled people.

In addition, my Department has taken a number of other initiatives to help to meet the transport needs of disabled people. These include the production of a national guide to transport for disabled people to be published shortly; assisting the development of the new "London" taxi which will be able to carry a passenger in a wheelchair; and discussions on the development, at the Transport and Road Research Laboratory, of a centre where disabled people who want to drive can try out different vehicles and adaptations.

My Department will continue to keep in close touch with transport operators, vehicle manufacturers and disabled people themselves about further initiatives and improvements.