What discussions he has had with the National Assembly for Wales Minister for Transport on disabled access on public transport in Wales.

My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with Assembly Ministers on matters affecting Wales. Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, transport providers must take reasonable steps to remove physical barriers to making their services accessible.

Interesting words, but if that Act is effective why do 60 per cent. of disabled people in Wales surveyed by Leonard Cheshire say that they have real difficulty accessing public transport? What action has the Minister taken on installing lifts at Bangor, Llandudno Junction, Colwyn Bay and other real stations? Is it not true that the Government are all talk and no action?

Accessible buses are increasingly available in Wales. My Assembly colleagues have pledged a further £250,000 to upgrade buses in the Caerphilly area to make them accessible to pensioners. What is important is that the Government will continue to support and invest in public transport in Wales. The Conservatives have no record of doing that: they are the authors of the discredited rail privatisation, for which some of us are still paying the price.

Does not the introduction of the discretionary fares scheme, including free access to buses for the disabled in Wales, mean that there are more buses than ever and more access for disabled people than ever?

Yes it does. A great many public transport services in Wales have been sustained and supported by the Assembly's policy of providing free transport for pensioners and people with disabilities. We shall continue to do that.