52. Earl of Dalkeithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has held with local authorities with a view to ensuring that a recognised system for providing car-parking facilities for disabled persons is introduced throughout Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Dr. J. Dickson Mabon)In 1961 all Scottish local authorities were encouraged to issue identifying badges to severely disabled drivers and formally to exempt them from waiting restrictions. My right hon. Friend will shortly be consulting the local authority and road users' associations about the scope for improving present arrangements.
Earl of DalkeithWill the hon. Gentleman consult the Minister of Transport in England to study the schemes being carried out in parts of England as some of these could be of great benefit to disabled drivers in Scotland?
§ Dr. MabonWe keep in very close touch with the Ministry in England. Although the scheme operating in England and Wales provides a standard badge for use in all areas, it does not give formal exemptions from all parking restrictions. So far in Scotland we have encouraged local authorities to give formal exemptions on a local basis.