• Question by: Lynne Featherstone
• Meeting date: 28 April 2004

So it was the case that emergency breathing apparatus for frontline staff has been rejected, even though Washington, for example, is supplied with breathing apparatus so they can carry out evacuations in the event of a chemical attack? It does seem strange that those frontline staff who will have to make on-the-spot decisions will not be equipped so that they last long enough to evacuate normal passengers.

• Question by: Noel Lynch
• Meeting date: 28 April 2004

LTUC has said that even where there are toilets, about 25% of them are not accessible because they are locked. Some of the new stations like Canary Wharf have very good toilets, but that is if you can find them. You say there are notices about toilets in every Tube station. I have never seen one, and I travel two or three times a day on the Tube. There seems to be a problem with signage in the stations that do have toilets.

• Question by: Noel Lynch
• Meeting date: 28 April 2004

Your transport strategy refers to a truly accessible city, more transfer from cars to public transport and social inclusion. Do you accept that a lack of toilet facilities is likely to defeat achievements on all these three objectives? Are you aware that half a million Londoners suffer from incontinence problems? How are they supposed to use the public transport system?

• Question by: Andrew Pelling
• Meeting date: 28 April 2004

Do you feel that Croydon is wrong to close their nine public toilets this year?

• Question by: Noel Lynch
• Meeting date: 28 April 2004

Do you agree that this is a very big issue for older people and that older people have not received the attention they deserve from your transport policy?

• Question by: Sally Hamwee
• Meeting date: 28 April 2004

That is another bit of legislation that would be needed.

• Question by: Roger Evans
• Meeting date: 28 April 2004

When you see Network Rail will you also talk to them about accessibility of stations? We have problems with the lift at Ilford Station not working and the steepness of the stairs there. I have been telling constituents that when Crossrail happens the station will be improved. However, given your comments on Tuesday that we may not see Crossrail at Ilford in the first part of the project anyway, can you prevail upon Network Rail to make the necessary improvements as soon as possible?

• Question by: Lynne Featherstone
• Meeting date: 28 April 2004

It looks very attractive! I am sure this will come as no surprise to you, but it transpired that they subcontract their cleansing to Jarvis. What is more, although they are contracted to inspect and maintain, clearly at the four stations I mentioned, and I am sure Meg would say the same about hers, they have not inspected or removed any litter for years. How much money has gone to that company for work they have not done? I would welcome your input on this, and your heavy weight, since Meg seems to think you are a heavyweight, to force...

• Question by: Lynne Featherstone
• Meeting date: 28 April 2004

We have also heard evidence at Haringey, Hornsey, Alexandra Park and Bounds Green stations. After a year, I got the right person at Network Rail to come out there with me. I managed to get new fencing, but they leave the litter behind. It is Network Rail, I agree with Meg, and not the train operator.

• Question by: Meg Hillier
• Meeting date: 28 April 2004

What is your message to local people who are out there with me at the weekends logging and formally recording the litter? Where should we send that? Should we send it to you, or to TfL?