§ 17. Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what 1258 information he collects from local education authorities about the facilities they provide for disabled students; if he is satisfied that all authorities are complying with Section 8 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 in this respect; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss Joan LestorIt is for local education authorities to decide what provision it is practicable and reasonable to make to enable disabled pupils and students to use the buildings which they maintain. Details of such provision are shown on those plans for new buildings for special schools and other schools and colleges which are submitted to my Department for approval. I am satisfied that authorities have a proper regard for their responsibilities under Section 8 of the Act.
§ Mr. PriceI thank the hon. Lady for that reply, which we have had many times before. What reason does she have for being satisfied? If she were to read Section 8 of the Act she would discover that the word "shall" holds a key position. Will she accept that I know of a number of colleges which claim to have adequate facilities for disabled students but the facilities are totally inadequate and disabled students survive in those institutions only because of certain members of the staff who make heroic efforts to care for them? Therefore, the Act is not being implemented.
§ Miss LestorPlans for new buildings have, as I have said, to be submitted to my Department and we have to approve them. I do not want to quarrel with the hon. Gentleman about this matter. We are all concerned that disabled pupils should have every possible advantage in education and in educational institutions. If the hon. Gentleman has details of colleges or other establishments which he believes are not fulfilling their obligations under Section 8, I shall be happy to receive them and discuss them with him.
§ Mr. HannamIs the hon. Lady aware that paragraph 3 in Circular 13/70 clearly states that in many new primary schools and extensions to secondary schools provisions for disabled people such as ramped entrances and special toilet entrances for wheelchairs are not being provided? Will she accept responsibility for this?
§ Miss LestorI have already said that if hon. Members draw my attention to areas where the provisions of the Act are not being implemented—and I do not doubt that hon. Members are concerned about the situation in their constituencies —I shall be pleased to look into the matter and ensure that the machinery for carrying out the spirit of the Act is implemented.