§ Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what guidance he gives to architects and others responsible for public buildings, to ensure accessibility by handicapped and disabled persons; and, in preparing such guidance, if he will take account of the representations of the Central Council for the Disabled, a copy of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Willesden, West.
§ Mr. BoydenThe Ministry has published a leaflet, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, and after consultation with the Central Council for the Disabled, giving guidance about methods of access to public buildings including hospitals, and other design features which will help the disabled. If attention is paid to these design features sufficiently early on, they can be incorporated within normal cost limits.
I am sending a copy of the leaflet to my hon. Friend, with a copy of a circular which has been sent to all local authorities suggesting that they should take these recommendations into account in their own work and bring the leaflet to the notice of private developers. The leaflet has also been sent to regional hospital boards.