HL Deb 27 June 1977 vol 384 cc996-8WA
Baroness MASHAM of ILTON

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the information relating to the number of Community Health Council Offices which are entered by steps with no ramps or which are on upper floors with no lifts, which was asked for in a starred Question on I 5th June 1977, is not available.

Lord WELLS-PESTELL

Our inquiries have shown that Regional Health Authorities, whose responsibility it is to see that accommodation is provided for Community Health Councils, do not in all cases have readily available the information asked for. The information already held by the Authorities showed clearly that a substantial number of Council offices are entered by steps with no ramps or are on upper floors with no lifts and that some Councils occupy temporary accommodation, but that it was general practice to make some suitable alternative arrangements for disabled persons wishing to discuss their problems. Authorities were not therefore asked to make the special inquiries which would have been necessary to enable the complete information to be assembled. It is an aim of Her Majesty's Government to avoid where possible adding to the administrative burden of health authorities.

House adjourned at twelve minutes before eight o'clock.