§ Mr. David Priceasked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to ensure that at all hospitals there are adequate parking facilities for disabled patients who have to go to hospital for treatment.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThe Ministry has published a leaflet, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Building and Works and after consultation with the Central Council for the Disabled, giving guidance about methods of access for the disabled to public buildings, including hospitals. The leaflet states that wherever practicable there should be some parking space reserved for the cars and invalid tricycles of disabled drivers.
I am sending a copy of the leaflet to the hon. Member with a copy of the circular which was sent to all hospital authorities asking them to incorporate the leaflet's recommendations in plans for all new hospitals and suggesting that it may be possible to improve facilities at existing buildings in suitable circumstances.