§ Ms. RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what national statistical information he has on the proportion of buses in Britain which are fully accessible to(a) people with disabilities and (b) people who are wheelchair-bound.
§ Mr. AtkinsThere is no national statistical information available on these points. But I am glad to say that a growing number of operators, manufacturers and local authorities are now adopting the recommended specification drawn up by the disabled persons transport advisory committee.
A new information video, "Welcome Aboad" is available from my Department on free loan to interested organisations.
More work needs to be done to develop efficient and effective wheelchair accessible buses. We are working with our European counterparts on this.