HC Deb 04 February 1981 vol 998 cc285-6
17. Sir David Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of the fact that 1981 is the International Year of Disabled People, whether he will sponsor a conference on designing for the disabled.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

I have no plans to sponsor a conference, but my Department is undertaking a wide range of measures, some of which cover designing for the disabled, in connection with the International Year of Disabled People. These were set out in the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris) and the hon. Member for Caernarvon (Mr. Wigley) on 19 January.

Sir David Price

Is my hon. Friend aware that, in spite of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, many buildings are still being constructed in this country in which the access for handicapped people is inadequate, to say the least? Is he further aware that many of those buildings are in the public sector? Does he not agree that the time has come for the Minister and his right hon. and hon. Friends to act at least catalytically with local authorities, public bodies and private builders to try to get it right? Is he aware that the technical knowledge is there, but there is a lack of action?

Mr. Finsberg

My hon. Friend will be aware that we are commissioning a film on housing for the disabled, in order to demonstrate what can be done. [Interruption.] Perhaps there should be a little less levity on a matter which causes deep concern to many of us. There is clearly a need for new initiatives, especially involving the private sector. I hope that the film will stimulate interest among private developers as well as local authorities and housing associations.

Mr. Carter-Jones

Will the hon. Gentleman make sure that the disabled will be able to get access to the film? Will he show an earnest of his intent by supporting a Private Member's Bill on the subject of access, supported by hon. Members in all parts of the House? Will he please now give a firm undertaking that he will not oppose the Second Reading, and give us a chance to discuss the matter in this Chamber and upstairs?

Mr. Finsberg

The hon. Gentleman should be aware that my Department is specifically interested in trying to get a proper focus on housing for disabled people. That is why we have joined with the Royal Institute of British Architects and with the National House Building Council to have a special focus on housing for disabled people by means of a design award.

Mr. Michael Morris

Should it not now be mandatory for every public building to have adequate access for the disabled? If we took that action alone, it would be a significant step forward.

Mr. Finsberg

I accept what my hon. Friend says, and I believe that the overwhelming majority of public buildings constructed over the past decade or so have the provision for which he is asking. It is much more difficult to conjure out of the air access to buildings that have already been built. I recall that Labour Members were not saying this when their party was in office.

Mr. John Home-Robertson

Will the Minister stop havering about conferences and films and give the House a clear undertaking that he will take administrative—and, if necessary, legislative—action to ensure that there is proper access for disabled people, particularly those in wheelchairs, into all public buildings?

Mr. Finsberg

I covered that point in the last answer.