§ Mr. Keith HillTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many applications for closure of rail services have been submitted to him in(a) the last five years and (b) the last 10 years; and how many of those he has accepted. [28618]
§ Mr. WattsOver the past five years, 14 closure proposals have been submitted to the Secretary of State for his consent for closure. Consent was given in 13 cases and one proposal is outstanding. Thirty-six proposals have been submitted to the Secretary of State over the past 10 years. Consent for closure has been given in 30 cases, one has been refused, one is outstanding and four were withdrawn.
§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure improvements in the provision for(a) cycles and (b) disabled persons on all rail services and in all rail stations; and if he will make a statement. [29253]
§ Mr. WattsThe franchising director is minded to include in franchise agreements the provision that, as far as is reasonably practicable, and subject to the availability of appropriate space on their rolling stock, franchise operators should ensure that facilities for the carriage of cycles on trains are provided.
The rail regulator has responsibility under the Railways Act 1993 for the protection of the interests of disabled passengers. He has included in passenger and station licences a requirement to establish and comply with a disabled persons' protection policy; and in July 1994 he issued a code of practice on meeting the needs of the disabled which offers practical guidance to the rail industry on improving accessibility to the rail network.