§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking to encourage improved access and facilities for employable disabled people at places of employment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithMy Department's disablement resettlement officers and technical officers are always ready to provide employers with advice on how access to, and facilities within, places of work can be adapted to the needs of individual disabled people where problems arise; and where disabled people are employed, the requirements of the Factories 15W Acts in relation to such matters as means of access and of escape in case of fire are interpreted by the Factory Inspectorate to take account of their needs. But the whole question of the problems of mobility faced by disabled people is presently being reviewed by Lady Sharp and I believe it would be right to await her findings before considering whether further action is required.