§ Mr. Tom Clarke (Monklands, West)Six and a half million disabled persons and their carers in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland are looking to us to introduce legislation that will outlaw the discrimination that they have suffered for far too long—[Interruption.]
§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Geoffrey Lofthouse)Order. Will hon. Members who are leaving the Chamber please do so quietly and will those remaining please stay in their seats?
§ Mr. ClarkeI am privileged to present a petition that has been signed by 32,000 people, and the number is still growing. It demands that the House introduces positive measures to remove discrimination—measures that will be seen as tangible, enforceable and fair. In so doing, we will restore the confidence that disabled people once had in the House. With your permission, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will be delighted to present that petition, which reads:
To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled. The Humble Petition of Residents from throughout Great BritainSheweth.That the overwhelming support for a Disabled Persons' Civil Bill in both Houses of Parliament should lead to urgent and meaningful legislation in this session.Wherefore your petitioners pray that your Honourable House will urge the Prime Minister and his Government not to impede a measure which has already been implemented in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America.And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will every pray &tc.
§ To lie upon the Table.