§ Mr. Alec Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) which Welsh local authorities provide public toilets with one or more compartments for disabled people in wheelchairs, and how many; 289W (2) which Welsh local authorities have disabled people co-opted on to committees and sub-committees concerned with their problems, and how many; (3) which Welsh local authorities have erected signs in their areas pointing to facilities for the disabled, and how many.
§ Mr. Peter Thomas:These matters are the responsibility of local authorities which do not submit returns to me on these points under the Chronically Sick and D isabled Persons Act, 1970. Welsh Office Circular 85/70, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, drew local authorities' attention to, and gave guidance on, the relevant provisions of the Act.
§ Mr. Alec Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many public buildings in Wales have ramps and handrails to allow access for the disabled; and which authorities provide them.
§ Mr. Peter Thomas:I assume that the hon. Member has in mind buildings covered by Section 4 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970, which relates to any buildings or premises to which the public are to be admitted. I regret that the information asked for is not available. The attention of local authorities has, however, been drawn to the provisions of the Sec- 290W tion in Welsh Office Circular 85/70 and they have also been asked to take appropriate action to draw developers' attention to it.
§ Mr. Alec Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many kerbs have been dropped in various Welsh local authority areas to allow easy crossing for the disabled in wheelchairs.
§ Mr. Peter Thomas:The information is not readily available. This is essentially a matter for the local authorities. Advice on it has been issued by the Welsh Office to highway authorities and I am considering whether further guidance may be necessary.