asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to meet the chairman of British Rail to discuss the results of the research paper entitled "Cycles on Trains", commissioned by British Rail; and if he will make a statement.

This is a matter for British Rail. My hon. Friend may wish to take it up with the chairman direct.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the two most favoured recommendations in the report by the Harris people are that charges for bicycles on British Rail should stop and that the ban on the inter-city rail network should cease? Is he aware that £7 million of additional income is being lost by the unhelpful attitude of British Rail? Will my hon. Friend say something about that, to ensure that British Rail gets more money from bicycle users?

I am aware of my hon. Friend's longstanding interest in this matter as chairman of the all-party Friends of Cycling group. I assure him that I know of no plans by British Rail to extend its restrictions. There are restrictions on HSTs because there is not enough space to take large quantities of luggage and other paraphernalia. I shall report my hon. Friend's comments to the chairman of British Rail.