§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice he has issued to local authorities concerning the admission of guide dogs for the blind to food premises; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisMy hon. Friend will be pleased to learn that I have issued an advisory circular to local authorities, a copy of which I am sending to him. The circular suggests to local authorities that, when their environment health officers discuss with managers of food premises the exclusion of dogs from their premises they should recommend that guide dogs be exempted. To clarify the position for other customers, it is also recommended that the notices traders display requesting that dogs should not
166Wfinancing projects that have been agreed to date; what is the cost of each and the proportion contributed, respectively, by the health and local authority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Exeter (Mr. Hannam) on 22nd November 1976—[Vol. 919, c.979–80]—I have since received information about the two following additional projects:
Hospital, Tottenham, the St. Ann's Hospital, Tottenham, and North Middlesex Hospital, Edmonton, London; and if he will ask the regional board to consider the matter.
§ Mr. MoyleThe average waiting times are as follows:
be brought into the premises should specifically exempt guide dogs.
As my hon. Friend appreciates, blind people and others with severe handicaps all too often encounter unnecessary difficulties in their efforts to remain independent. I believe the advice issued in respect of food premises to be a step forward of some importance. Moreover, I hope it will encourage others such as managers of places of entertainment, clubs, holiday camps and similar social facilities, to ensure that their arrangements do not discriminate against those who depend upon a guide dog for their mobility or are confined to a wheelchair or who need other special help.