§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to remind local authorities of the need to ensure compliance of those concerned regarding the requirements of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970, especially with regard to facilities in public buildings for wheel chairs and including lifts, ramps, etc.; and if he is satisfied that these requirements of the Act are being met.
§ Mr. RipponI shall shortly be writing to local authorities referring to advice previously given on the relevant provisions of this Act, and bringing to their notice up-to-date information concerning design for the disabled. Information about the implementation of certain requirements of the Act is currently being obtained by the Central Council for the Disabled and will be made available to me. I shall then consider it carefully.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that the requirements of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970, relating to the provision of facilities for wheel chairs in public buildings are not being restricted by fire and safety regulations; and if he will inquire into these aspects.
§ Mr. RipponWhere the need to maintain public safety conflicts with the desirability of allowing access to buildings for the disabled, the former must prevail. In practice, a reconciliation of these needs is increasingly being achieved, either through better design or as a result of special arrangements made locally.