§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals Her Majesty's Government have for increasing access to public transport for women with young children.
§ Mr. FreemanMy Department has a long-standing commitment to improve access to public transport for people with mobility problems. This includes very large numbers of women with young children who are dependent on public transport, as well as elderly people and those with disabilities. We work closely with vehicle designers and manufacturers, public transport operators, local authorities and people with mobility problems as consumers, to promote and encourage greater recognition of their needs. One current example is the Department's support for a demonstration project of low-floor buses, which will provide easier access for all people with mobility problems and which will be of particular benefit to those travelling with prams and baby buggies.