§ Dr. J. Dickson Mabonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he is satisfied that local education authorities, when planning new schools and colleges, are making sufficient provision for the needs of disabled people as required by Section 8 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 ; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if, when proposals for new schools or colleges are submitted to his Department by local education authorities which do not make provision for the needs of disabled people, he requires the authority to state the reason why in the circumstances it was not practicable and reasonable to do so.
§ Mr. William Ross:Under Section 8 of the Act it is for education authorities to decide what provision is practicable and reasonable. They were given guidance on the subject in Scottish Education Department Circular No. 782, and the opportunity is taken when publishing design guidance to remind them about provision for the disabled. I have no reason to believe that authorities are not having proper regard for the disabled when planning new educational buildings.