HC Deb 21 March 1979 vol 964 cc649-50W
Mr. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with progress made towards the provision of wheelchair dwellings and mobility housing for the disabled and their families; what plans, starts and completions of such houses have been notified in the last five years to his Department by local authorities in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

In May 1975 my right hon. Friend asked local authorities in SDD circular No. 61/1975 to accord high priority to the provision of houses for the physically handicapped. My right hon. Friend will shortly be publishing part 6 of the Scottish housing handbook which will deal in detail with the provision of housing for the disabled. It is for local authorities in the first place to assess the housing needs of their area, including the needs of the disabled.

The comprehensive information asked for is not readily available, but the number of dwellings available for wheelchair users at the end of 1976, analysed by local authority districts, is given in"Scottish Housing Statistics No. 2 ".