§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to London Underground's policy towards easing access to the underground by the disabled, elderly or those with young children when escalators are out of action for considerable periods; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanDuring periods when escalators are unavailable, London Underground Ltd. attempts to ease 139W access for all its customers. It does so by providing alternative routes through stations, wherever possible, and by the use of temporary signs and announcements on stations and trains. In addition, uniformed staff, trained to take care of travellers with special needs, are at hand. Details of how people with mobility handicaps can plan the best routes to avoid escalators are set out in London Transport's publication "Access to the Underground", a copy of which is in the Library.