§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives for the disabled to discuss their transport needs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. Friend has not met formally with any representatives of disabled people recently to discuss their transport needs, although Scottish Office officials are in regular contact with many of the organisations concerned with the transport needs of people with disabilities.
§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he gives to the needs of the disabled when deciding transport policy for Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. Friend continues to give full consideration of the needs of disabled people when deciding transport policy for Scotland. The Scottish Office works closely with the Department of Transports disability unit to ensure that public transport is easier to use and that personal mobility is increased for disabled people.
A Scottish Office official acts as an observer on the Disabled Persons' Transport Advisory Committee, the statutory committee set up to advise the Government on transport and mobility matters relating to disabled people. Two of the 20 members of this Committee are Scottish. The Scottish Office also has an observer on the Access and Mobility Committee of Disability Scotland.