Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment the Government has made of the potential merits of exempting people with disabilities unable to wear face masks from the recent Government requirement for people to wear face masks on public transport during the covid-19 outbreak.

We have undertaken an Equalities Impact Assessment and have taken advice from the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, as well as other disability stakeholder groups. We expect everyone to wear a face covering if they can, but recognise reasonable adjustments are necessary for some people. Exemptions will apply for those unable to wear a face covering, for example people with disabilities, those with breathing difficulties, or young children.