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Mr. Peter Bottomley
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last approved new British Rail rolling stock that was inaccessible to wheelchair users.
Mr. Freeman
There is currently no statutory requirement for the Secretary of State to approve new British Rail rolling stock. Powers are being sought in the Transport and Works Bill currently before the House. Modern rolling stock approved by HM railway inspectorate under voluntary arrangements with British Rail, since 1989, is accessible to wheelchair users.