By Martin Walker
Job-seekers in Newton Aycliffe could be given bicycles so they can get to the dole office!
Our MP Phil Wilson, speaking in a House of Commons debate, has revealed that Jobcentre plus in the town is considering purchasing the bikes due to poor public transport.
During questions on future Commons business, Mr Wilson asked Leader of the House Sir George Young: “Can we have a statement or a debate on the state of public transport in County Durham, which the Employment Minister, Chris Grayling, himself has called poor?
“It is now so bad that Jobcentre Plus in Newton Aycliffe is considering the purchase of bicycles so that people can now get to work.
“Is it now the policy of the Government to now actually purchase bicycles for people to get to work rather than provide public transport?”
Sir George, a keen cyclist, told Mr Wilson he would raise the issue with Transport Secretary Justine Greening.
He said: “The previous government introduced a scheme whereby employers could make bicycles available on preferential terms to their employees, so there is a precedent.
“I understand your concern about the poor quality of public transport in your constituency, I will raise this with the Secretary of State for Transport and see whether there is any action she can take to relieve the problem you have just touched on.”
Tory minister Lord Tebbit was famously quoted in 1981, saying his father got on his bike and looked for work during the depression in the 1930s.