§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy that under his proposals for the railways all those categories of persons currently enjoying privileged and concessionary travel facilities, in addition to British Rail staff will continue to enjoy those benefits; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanBritish Rail introduced railcards as a commercial decision, not as a result of any legal obligation. There is every reason to believe that the private sector will introduce new initiatives in order to attract more passengers.
However, the provision of the disabled persons railcard is a voluntary initiative on British Rail's part; it is not profitable. The Government wish to guarantee that common discount facilities for disabled people will continue in the future, and a requirement to this effect will be incorporated into every franchise agreement.