HC Deb 28 July 1980 vol 989 cc537-8W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what funds the Government intend to provide in 1980–81 to improve access for disabled people to public buildings.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Capital expenditure on local public buildings comes within the locally determined sector, and local authorities therefore have discretion in determining their priorities.

As regards national public buildings and ancient monuments in the care of the Department of the Environment no specific funds are allocated for access work, but the Department does provide access and facilities for disabled people as funds and the physical constraints of the buildings allow.

In respect of the Government civil office estate, I have nothing to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Eccles (Mr. Carter-Jones) on 9 July.—[Vol. 988, c. 223–24.]