HC Deb 18 June 1968 vol 766 cc903-4
25. Mr. Worsley

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what guidance he gives local authorities as to the desirability of providing lifts in buildings to which the public require to have access, in such a way as to give access for persons in wheelchairs.

Mr. Greenwood

The attention of local authorities has been drawn to a pamphlet issued by the Ministry of Public Building and Works on designing public buildings with easy access for disabled people. This deals with the subject of lifts. I will send the hon. Member a copy.

Mr. Worsley

Has there been any change in practice in this respect? Very often, even when a building has a lift, there are steps at the entrance which make it impossible for it to be used by people in wheelchairs.

Mr. Greenwood

When giving loan sanction we make a check on the suitability of the building for disabled persons. If the hon. Gentleman has any points, I shall certainly look at them.

Mr. Tinn

Will the Minister take steps to broaden this approach to draw the attention of architects designing commercial buildings, factories and so on to which the public have access, so that they are aware of this necessity also?

Mr. Greenwood

I think that the subject has been adequately covered, particularly in the case of a joint circular from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and the Ministry of Health in November 1965 about access to public buildings for the disabled. But if my hon. Friend feels that there are gaps in the information available, I will do my best to remedy them.