HC Deb 18 January 1993 vol 217 cc63-4W
Mr. McMaster

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress he achieved during the United Kingdom presidency of the EC to make public transport accessible to disabled people across Europe; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

In December 1991 the Transport Council asked the Commission to draw up an action programme on the accessibility of transport to people with reduced mobility. This action plan was expected to be ready during the United Kingdom presidency. The Council is still awaiting this document which it will wish to consider carefully before taking further action.

This is an area where much can and is being achieved at national and local level and my Department continues to work towards improving access to public transport for people with disabilities. A significant number of low floor, fully accessible buses will be introduced in London as a demonstration project shortly. This will be followed later this year with a similar trial outside London with funding support from my Department.