§ 34. Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he is taking to ensure that all new schools and colleges provide adequate access and facilities for disabled students and teachers.
§ Mr. MulleyLocal education authorities may meet their responsibilities under Section 8 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 in a variety of ways; in some areas it may be appropriate to make suitable provision for the disabled generally in educational buildings, in others only in selected establishments with appropriately enlarged catchment areas. In discussions which the Department's officers have with authorities during the various stages in the planning of new educational buildings account is taken of these possibilities and suggestions are made as appropriate.
§ 48. Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science in how many instances in the last year for which figures are available plans for new schools or colleges were submitted to his Department at tender stage which did not provide adequate access and facilities for disabled students or teachers; how many of the plans were modified to provide these requirements as a result of comments by his department; and if he will make a further statement.
§ Mr. MulleyMany factors enter into design decisions, and local education authorities may meet their responsibilities in a variety of ways. In some areas it may be appropriate to make suitable provision for the disabled generally in educational buildings, in others only in selected establishments with appropriately enlarged catchment areas. In discussions which the Department's officers have with authorities during the various stages in the planning of new educational buildings account is taken of these possibilities and suggestions are made as appropriate. Because of the great variation in circumstances and the need for consultation on individual cases, the Department has not thought it appropriate to lay down any detailed requirements for compliance520W with Section 8 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. Beyond giving advice on individual cases the Department does not attempt to monitor authorities' compliance with the Act; nor is a record kept for individual projects of the detailed outcome of these continuing informal exchanges with authorities.