35.
asked the Minister of Transport what answer he has sent to the National Council of Women's request for his assistance in securing the removal of turnstiles from public conveniences at bus and coach stations.
On 5th February my right hon. Friend told the National Council that he was drawing the attention of the nationalised and private bus operators to the Government's view, as expressed to local authorities by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Local Government, and that he was suggesting that they too should pursue the course we had urged on local authorities.
While thanking the hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friend for the action he has taken in this matter, which the women very much appreciate, may I ask what reply has been received from the bus and coach undertakings? Will the Minister point out to them that it is even more inconvenient to have these turnstiles at transport centres than in ordinary public conveniences and that unless they take steps to fall into line with Government policy someone will have to introduce another Private Member's Bill to compel them to do so.
I am afraid that without notice I could not give the hon. Lady the answers we have had from the various undertakings to whom we addressed this request. We shall certainly bear in mind what she said in the latter part of her supplementary question.
In conversations with the bus companies, will my hon. Friend draw attention to the fact that one of the bus companies at Basingstoke is putting up a new turnstile in this very day and age at a new station?
Shame.