§ 20. Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about transport for the disabled and his published guide "Door to Door"; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanWe are in touch with a wide range of disability organisations, local authorities, transport operators and vehicle manufacturers on all matters relating to transport and disability. We work particularly closely with the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee which was set up under the Transport Act 1985 to offer advice to the Secretary of State in this area.
The Department's disability unit has recently published its annual report which sets out our current initiatives in this area. I have sent copies to all Members of the House and I will ensure that further copies are placed in the Library.
"Door to Door", a guide to transport for people with disabilities, produced by my Department, is now in its third edition and a new fourth edition will be published later this summer. The publication offers advice on all aspects of personal mobility, public transport and specialist services for people with disabilities and provides useful contacts for further advice.
As soon as the new edition is published, I will ensure that copies are placed in the Library.