HL Deb 07 December 1999 vol 607 cc83-4WA
Baroness Anelay of St. Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they intend to carry out the commitment (H.L. Deb., 4 November, col. 1096) to explore further what help they can provide to promote specific industry guidance on best practice in providing access for disabled people to tourism; and which organisations they will consult. [HL64]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

It is now a legal requirement to make reasonable adjustments for the access of disabled people to hotels and restaurants. Guidance on what are reasonable adjustments has been issued. It is in the commercial interests of the industry not only to meet its legal obligations but to go further to make its premises open and welcoming to as wide a customer base as possible. That is why we are so keen to see organisations like the Tourism For All Consortium—which brings together different parts of the industry, public bodies, and consumer groups—working to produce best practice guidance on providing access for disabled people to tourism. We would expect the consortium to consult widely amongst the industry and other relevant bodies, including the Department for Education and Employment, whilst drawing up the guidance. Once suitable guidance has been produced, Ministers would seek to actively promote it.