HL Deb 19 October 1998 vol 593 cc133-4WA
Lord Campbell of Croy

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether a single Minister has been designated "Minister for the Disabled" or whether there are still several Ministers with such responsibilities in different Government departments. [HL3335]

The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment and Equal Opportunities, Mrs. Margaret Hodge, has a cross-Whitehall interest in disability issues and has been designated Minister for Disabled People. However, given the important responsibilities of other departments in this area, other Ministers continue to have responsibility for specific policies and programmes in relation to disabled people. Ministers and officials work together across departments to ensure close co-ordination on these policies and programmes.