§ Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Transport what particular proposals he has to improve transport facilities for disabled travellers during 1981 to mark the International Year of Disabled People.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans his Department has made for the International Year of Disabled People 1981; what funds have been allocated for this purpose; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FowlerI announced my plans for the International Year of Disabled People last month. They include an international Conference "Transport without Handicap" to be held in London in March, a mobile exhibition on transport and disabled people which will tour the country between May and September, and a national Rally for Disabled Drivers which will take place at Silverstone in June. I have also undertaken to produce and publish during 1981 a national guide to door-to-door transport services for disabled people.
Funds for these initiatives are being largely provided by private sector firms. The remainder is being found within existing departmental allocations.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will conduct during the International Year of Disabled People 1981 a thorough review of all his Department's policies that affect disabled people; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FowlerMy Department is already reviewing policies which affect disabled people, in close consultation with representatives of disabled transport users and transport operators. Two seminars were held in 1980 which brought together representatives of these two groups and of central and local government to assess the transport 69W needs of disabled people. In the light of those seminars, I have announced a series of initiatives for the International Year of Disabled People.