Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Kate Osamor Excerpts
Thursday 16th July 2015

(8 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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Yes, I would urge local authorities to act urgently. We have set a budget for local authorities for the next five years so that they can plan their maintenance to get the best service for their constituents and the road user, be it cyclist or motorist.

Kate Osamor Portrait Kate Osamor (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op)
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T7. A recent report published by the Papworth trust found that one in five stations in England is accessible to disabled people and that two thirds of disabled passengers need to book assistance in advance to travel. Will the Minister commit to making accessibility a condition of future rail franchises?

Claire Perry Portrait Claire Perry
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I am sure the hon. Lady, like me, welcomes the fact that under the previous Government we spent and now continue to spend an unprecedented amount of money on accessibility. She is right to focus on the fact that the rail industry voluntarily provides an amazing free service for disabled passengers who need to make shift changes. I think we have made good progress. I am happy to look at individual station applications, but it is right that the railway network is accessible for all.