§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has for further consultations on the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. [19625]
§ Mr. BurtI am pleased to announce a joint consultation exercise that begins today on the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
The Government will phase in the access rights in part III of the Act. Around the end of 1996, we will make it unlawful to refuse service, or offer it to a lower standard, or on less favourable terms, simply because someone is disabled. At the same time, we will prohibit discrimination against disabled people by those selling or renting property.
We are consulting on proposals to regulate how these initial rights will operate in certain areas—insurance, services ancillary to education, and agents appointed to act on behalf of those unable to give an informed consent.
286WAt the same time the National Disability Council is consulting on its proposals for a code of practice on these initial rights.
The remaining rights in part III require service providers to make reasonable adjustments to allow or facilitate access for disabled people. The Government are also consulting on the timetable for bringing these duties into force.
Copies of the consultation package are available in the Library.