RYANAIR'S POLICY TOWARDS DISABLED PEOPLE

Early day motion 601, tabled 10 February 2004 by Paul Marsden (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 52 members.

That this House welcomes the court ruling that Ryanair acted unlawfully by not ensuring that a wheelchair was provided free of charge for Mr Bob Ross to use at Stansted Airport; notes that the court awarded Mr Ross ú1,336 in compensation; is concerned at Ryanair's decision to add a 50 pence surcharge to the price of every seat to meet the so-called cost of wheelchair provision, which will raise an extra ú12 million for the company; supports the Disability Rights Commission condemnation of this inflated surcharge, which the DRC have estimated at actually only costing 2 pence on each fare; notes that Ryanair has failed to compensate 35 other disabled people who have complained also; and urges the Secretary of State for Transport to intervene and encourage Ryanair to review its policy towards disabled people and the costs of wheelchair users.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Liberal Democrat 13, Scottish National Party 4, DUP 2, Labour/Co-operative 2, UUP 2, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.