HC Deb 16 July 1969 vol 787 c588
10. Mr. Gorton Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance he has given to local authorities and building agencies in Scotland on the incorporation in public buildings of basic aids for seriously disabled persons.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

Two pamphlets on "Access to Public Buildings for the Disabled" and "Design of Public Conveniences with Facilities for the Disabled" were issued to local authorities in 1965 and 1968 respectively.

Mr. Campbell

Are the Secretary of State and other Ministers concerned satisfied that in all public buildings being designed or built in Scotland there are provisions for at least one point of access for wheel chairs?

Dr. Mabon

I am glad to tell the hon. Member that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works is at present considering revising and reissuing the earlier pamphlet on access in order to bring it home to the disabled and others that these facilities are essential. Statutory responsibility lies with the local authorities, but we have no reason to believe that they are unsympathetic. I should like to look into the point that the hon. Member has raised specifically and write to him about it.