§ 13. Mr. Alec Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is satisfied with the facilities provided for disabled people using wheelchairs to gain admission to public buildings under his control in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mrs. Eirene White)It is not always easy to adapt existing buildings to take wheelchairs but my right hon. Friend would like all public authorities to do what they can. When planning new buildings the needs of the disabled should always be taken into account.
I am sending to my hon. Friend a copy of advice on this matter issued by the
§ give us the figures today, including the total figure, instead of putting it in the OFFICIAL REPORT?
§ Mr. ThomasThe hon. Gentleman must either have a poor memory or a thick skin to suggest that money spent on road maintenance in Wales is inadequate. Let him look at what his party spent when in power and then look at what we spent. We are talking now about a winter works programme, and it is very different.
§ Following is the information:
§ Department some time ago to local authorities in Wales.
§ Mr. JonesIs my hon. Friend aware that I am very pleased with that answer, because many of us on this side of the House receive numerous complaints from various bodies in Wales complaining about the difficulties which these unfortunate people have?
§ Mrs. WhiteMight I suggest to my hon. Friend, and to other hon. Members, that they do what I have done as a constituency Member, and write to all local authorities in their constituency, drawing their attention to this need?