§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what recent discussions he has held with the Art Council concerning barrier-free access to theatres, galleries, museums and other buildings and freedom of movement within such for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what recent discussions he has held with the owners of cinemas regarding harrier-free access to their establishments and the freedom of movement within such for people suffering from disabilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 27 February 1995]: None. The provisions in the Disability Discrimination Bill will require service providers, including those who operate cultural and entertainment facilities, to remove physical barriers, where reasonable, in order to improve access for disabled people to their service. The Government's White Paper "Ending Discrimination against Disabled People" makes it clear that there will be a continuing process of consultation on the detailed implementation of their proposals.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has held with representatives of amateur and professional football clubs, cricket clubs and rugby clubs and others regarding(a) barrier-free access to sporting grounds and (b) the freedom of movement within such for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 27 February 1995]: The provisions in the Disability Discrimination Bill, currently before the House, will require service providers, including those who operate sports stadiums, to remove physical barriers, where reasonable, in order to improve access for disabled people to their service. The Government's White Paper "Ending Discrimination against Disabled People" makes it clear that there will he a continuing process of consultation on the detailed implementation of its proposals. The Scottish Sports Council, as the Government's advisory body on sport in Scotland, has a strong track record in providing quality information on the design of facilities where people with a disability are concerned. The council has paid particular attention to such needs in preparing the guidelines for application for national lottery funding.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the conduct of the Sports Council in relation to the provision of sporting facilities and activities for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 27 February 1995]: The Government regard the promotion of sport for people with disabilities as particularly important. The Scottish Sports Council is committed to a programme of initiatives, in partnership with the Scottish Sports Association for People with a Disability and others, to develop opportunities for people with disabilities to 519W participate at all levels of sport and generally to raise the profile of athletes with a disability in Scotland. Recent examples of the Scottish Sports Council's commitment in this area include their support for the ready, willing and able initiative, and the inclusion of sport for people with a disability within the teamsport programme.