§ Mr. Sackvilleasked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to the percentage of British Rail passenger carriages which are currently equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and as to what plans there are for further such carriages.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe design of rolling stock is a matter for the British Railways Board. I understand from the board that about 60 per cent. of its present inter-city rolling stock is equipped to take wheelchair-bound passengers in passenger carriages, but only a small percentage of other rolling stock is similarly equipped. However, when the board designs new carriages or extensively refurbishes existing ones, provision is made for the disabled.