§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade what grants or loans are made by his Department, or by any body responsible to his Department, for the construction or conversion of buildings; if he will make the provision of adequate facilities for disabled people a condition for such grants or loans; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DellMy Department can make loans and grants for airport development. It does so only in exceptional circumstances, and there is little opportunity for me to influence the design of airport buildings. However, the needs of disabled people at airports are widely recognised and the excellence of the facilities 23W provided by the British Airports Authority at Gatwick has been publicly acknowledged.
The English Tourist Board makes loans and grants for tourist projects which may involve the construction or conversion of buildings. The Board has assisted two projects specifically for disabled people. Many other projects benefit the disabled incidentally, and the Board tries to ensure that all applicants comply with Section 4(1) of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act. I do not therefore consider it necessary to alter the existing arrangements for approving these grants and loans.