§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the importance of(a) local rail services and (b) the national rail network to disabled people.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Secretary of State and I are well aware of the importance of rail services to disabled passengers as is British Rail. That is why the Department of Transport is represented on BR's advisory group on disability, which includes people with a wide range of disabilities. The Department's disability unit also works closely with BR on these issues and I know that British Rail does take account of the needs of people with disabilities in the provision of services and facilities.