§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much it costs to provide and install temporary ramps for disabled access at polling stations during the most recent(a) general, (b) European, (c) regional council, (d) district council and (e) unitary authority elections in Scotland; what assessment he has made of the costs and benefits over a period of five, 10, 15 and 20 years of providing such ramps on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement. [39176]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonGrants for election equipment are provided as and when required. Equipment is then used at all subsequent elections. The total grants paid for temporary ramps since my right hon. Friend assumed responsibility for returning officers' fees and expenses in August 1991 is £15,316. Details of the installation costs cannot be identified separately from the overall cost of adapting and fitting up buildings at an election. We are awaiting the passage of the Disability Discrimination Bill prior to considering the funding of permanent ramps.