Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Russell Brown Excerpts
Thursday 27th June 2013

(10 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Simon Burns Portrait Mr Burns
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The hon. Lady is absolutely right: my right hon. Friend the Transport Secretary did visit the station, and he had a very jolly visit. I can also reassure her that a considerable amount of investment is being made in the area, but the specific bid proposals she mentions will be fully considered and decisions will flow from that in due course.

Russell Brown Portrait Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab)
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When the Minister discusses the refurbishment of stations, will he look closely at accessibility for passengers with poor mobility, especially wheelchair users? Will he also take that a step further and speak with some of the train operating companies about the dismal access for some wheelchair users when trying to get on trains?

Simon Burns Portrait Mr Burns
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The hon. Gentleman raises a very important point. It is crucial that access for those with restricted mobility is improved. That is why, as he will be aware, there is the Access for All scheme, with investment of more than £300 million for the whole programme, and with an additional £100 million to be made available for the next control period. We are as anxious as he is to ensure that there are improvements for such people.