§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to introduce provisions whereby blind people travelling within the EEC by any form of transport will be allowed a travelling companion to accompany them free of charge.
§ Mr. PortilloSuch provisions already exist for rail travel and, in some cases, for ferries in countries within the European Community. Concessionary schemes on other forms of public transport, where they exist, are of national or local application only.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what provisions exist in the EEC enabling blind people travelling by rail across internal EEC national boundaries to be accompanied by a sighted companion free of charge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloReciprocal rail travel concessions for blind people are available between member states of the European Community. These allow a companion to travel free of charge with a blind person who has purchased a ticket (subject to some restrictions on the type of ticket).