§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases of discrimination against disabled people have been referred to his Department in the past six months; what action he is taking; if Her Majesty's Government will be reviewing their position on anti-discrimination legislation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonIn the last six months, one individual complaint about alleged discrimination against a disabled person has been referred to the Department for investigation. As the case arose in Wales, it was passed on to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I understand a reply has been sent by his Department. The Government remain unconvinced of the case for general anti-discrimination legislation. In our view a better approach is to identify the practical difficulties which disabled people face and to try to overcome them, whether through legislative means or otherwise.