§ Mrs. Lynda Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what the Government's policy is with regard to the adaptation of buildings to allow access for disabled people.
§ Mr. ArmstrongSections 4 to 8 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 require access for disabled people on provision of buildings open to the public and schools and universities. The Department of the Environment stated in a circular on the Act that it regards this requirement as covering the conversion of buildings to these uses, and it will act accordingly in the case of the buildings which it provides.
A Private Members' Bill which received the Royal Assent last month extended the scope of these requirements to places of employment. In addition, the Manpower Services Commission has been asked by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment to introduce a scheme whereby employers who modify their premises to install special or modified equipment to enable disabled people to enter or remain in their employment might receive capital grants. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science has undertaken to consider amendments to the Standards for School Premises Regulations and Further Education Regulations in order specifically to include reference to the provisions of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 and will be prepared to issue design guidance on these matters. These regulations would apply to major works at existing buildings as well as new buildings. My Department is considering the practicability of using the powers in Part III of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to make building regulations on the subject.
While it would be impracticable to require by law that all existing buildings should be adapted to allow access for disabled people, some building owners have already done this and we hope that more will be encouraged to do so in future.