HL Deb 16 January 1974 vol 348 cc953-4
LORD MONTAGU OF BEAULIEU

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will ensure that local authorities will consider the needs of physically handicapped persons and their vehicles when planning traffic-free precincts in city centres.

LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTON

My Lords, the Department's Circular Roads No. 13/71 drew the attention of local authorities to the special needs of the disabled in pedestrianised areas. It also welcomed the suggestions in Planning for the Disabled in the Urban Environment, an excellent publication of the Central Council for the Disabled. A new Departmental bulletin in course of preparation will give even greater emphasis to this subject.

LORD MONTAGU OF BEAULIEU

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that reply. Is he aware that there is considerable concern among disabled people that, as the number of pedestrian precincts in shopping centres increases in this country, unless special facilities are provided they will be denied some of the best shopping facilities? Perhaps the Department could suggest to local authorities special parking places, and perhaps the provision of wheelchairs in precincts could be considered.

LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTON

My Lords, I take note of what the noble Lord has said. The important matter is to get it in at the beginning of a planning stage and that we are trying to do.

LORD AIREDALE

My Lords, did the noble Lord, Lord Mowbray and Stourton, use the expression, "pedestrianised areas"? If so, is he proud of that piece of English?

LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTON

My Lords, I am never proud of new technical jargon but it does express what one is trying to say.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, in roads where the traffic is restricted to buses and taxis could special consideration be given to granting permits also for motor vehicles owned by physically handicapped persons?

LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTON

My Lords, I will certainly consider the point, but I think it is a little wide of what we are discussing.