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§ Bob Spink (Castle Point)I have the honour to present a petition on behalf of all people with hearing impairment, particularly those living in south-east Essex. We must listen to what these worthy and caring people have to say, and promote equal access for disabled people and inclusive design to make television, radio and telephone equipment useful for those with impaired hearing without adaptation. I warmly congratulate the members of the Benfleet hard of hearing club on their community-spirited action in collecting signatures for the petition, which reads as follows.
To the Honourable Commons of the United Kingdom, Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled.The Humble Petition of Mrs. Irene Haylock, Ashleigh Sharp, Jessica Arnold, members of the Benfleet Hard of Hearing Club, and others of like disposition shewethThat there are some 8.7 million hearing impaired people in the UK and without changes in legislation, and particularly in the Communications Bill, technology and commercial developments will leave them under increasing disadvantages and will increase the extent of the digital divide whereby disabled people will be left further behind and more seriously discriminated against.Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House shall urge the Government to implement changes in the Communications Bill to end exclusion for hearing impaired people from digital TV, Radio and telephone services.And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, etc.To lie upon the Table.