HC Deb 28 June 1966 vol 730 cc1578-9
40. Mr. Winnick

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he is taking to encourage local authorities to provide in new accommodation facilities for the disabled.

The Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Richard Grossman)

The attention of local authorities was drawn to this question in the circular from my Department in 1964 which gave advice on basic design requirements and invited authorities to discuss their plans for housing the disabled with the Department's architects. I am most anxious that housing authorities shall pay special attention to the needs of the disabled but I have no reason to think that any further advice is called for at the moment.

Mr. Winnick

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a great deal of disappointment amongst disabled people that, by and large, local authorities are not doing enough to provide accommodation for the disabled? Might I ask him if he could possibly send out a new circular and try to urge local authorities to provide accommodation for those who are disabled?

Mr. Crossman

I think that that has been done. Our Social Services Committee recently considered a paper on housing for the elderly and came to the conclusion that the housing of the chronic sick and handicapped presents no special problems. I am rather dubious whether more could be done by a circular.

Mr. Tilney

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the local authorities concerned the need to chamfer the kerbs nearby?

Mr. Crossman

Yes, Sir.

Mrs. Lena Jeger

Will my right hon. Friend consider this from a slightly different angle? When looking at plans for local authority building, will he look ahead and ensure that local authorities make all their buildings accessible by widening doorways and reducing the number of steps for people who subsequently become disabled during the course of their tenancy?

Mr. Crossman

I think that if my hon. Friend restudies the circular she will find that that is precisely what it does.

Dame Irene Ward

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of those authorities which he considers have taken advantage of the guidance given to them, so that they may set an example to those who have not done so?

Mr. Crossman

I shall certainly consider the hon. Lady's suggestion.

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