§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when was the most recent review of access to further education by disabled students; what were its findings; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Michael ForsythA report was completed in June 1990 by Her Majesty's inspectorate of schools entitled "Pupils and Young People with Physical Disabilities". That report included a chapter describing and evaluating regional and college policies. I have arranged for a copy of the report to be placed in the Library of the House.
Education authorities have a statutory duty to secure the adequate and efficient provision of further education for their area. The report was accordingly drawn to their attention.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many prosecutions were recorded in Scottish courts relating to the misuse, abuse or illegal use of orange badges intended for the exclusive benefit of disabled people in each year since 1980.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe information requested is not separately identifiable within the criminal statistics maintained by the Scottish Office Home and Health Department.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many prosecutions were recorded in Scottish courts relating to illegal parking in places designated for the exclusive use of disabled people in each year since 1980.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe information requested is not separately identifiable within the criminal statistics maintained by the Scottish Office Home and Health Department.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to promote sport among disabled people in Scotland; what plans to provide local authorities in Scotland with additional funding for sport among disabled persons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe promotion of sport for people with disability is undertaken on behalf of the Secretary of State by the Scottish Sports Council as an important part of its overall programme for widening access to participation in sport. The council enjoys a close working relationship with the Scottish Sports Association for the Disabled which it is supporting in 1991–92 with grant aid of £15,000 and the services of a senior council official. In addition, the Scottish Sports Council will be holding a national conference later this year on the topic of developing opportunities for people with disability.
It is for local authorities in Scotland to determine, within the resources available to them, their provision of sporting facilities, including those for people with disability, in the light of their assessment of local needs.