§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what adjustments have been made to his Department's premises following the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; and what the cost of these adjustments has been as a proportion of the Department's budget. [53026]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 29 April 2002]: The Home Department has taken account of the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 at its premises. Alteration works ranging from local works to suit the requirements of individuals to larger scale changes such as the construction of ramps, chair lifts and the refurbishment of toilets to accommodate wheelchair access have been undertaken where appropriate.
Disability Discrimination Act surveys have been undertaken at a number of sites and remedial work has been undertaken or is planned as appropriate. At other premises, we have ensured that the provisions of the Act are covered as part of larger refurbishment projects, or when acquiring new property.
The nature and cost of alterations to the Department's premises in order to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act are not recorded centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.