Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Kali Mountford (Labour). It was answered on Thursday, 29 October 2009 on behalf of the Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Grand Committee.

Trans-Pennine Rail Services

Question: I recently had cause to complain to Network Rail that so much was being spent on an exhibition about St. Pancras and King’s Cross. I had discovered that funding was being delayed on expenditure on access for disabled people in stations across trans-Pennine routes. Will my right hon. Friend look at whether we can speed up the process of access for disabled people? Disabled people can also contribute to our area’s economy and they should not be left out of the entire process. I speak as one who might benefit from such provision.

Answer: That takes me back to when I was a Transport Minister and had some of the responsibility for accessibility. There is a planned programme and it is important for us to ensure that it is adhered to. However, when I was a Transport Minister, it seemed to me that, in some instances, the programme could have been taken forward more quickly. I will write to Network Rail and others to ask about the situation in Yorkshire and the Humber and what might be done to ensure that it is fulfilled as quickly as possible. My hon. Friend is right to say that the matter is of huge concern to many people.

Secondary information