HC Deb 19 January 1981 vol 997 cc73-4W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what plans his Department has made for the International Year of Disabled People 1981; what funds have been allocated for this purpose; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will conduct during the International Year of Disabled People 1981 a thorough review of all his Department's policies that affect disabled people; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eyre

My Department's policies which affect disabled people are kept under continuing review and special attention will be paid to these during the International Year.

The Department has no special plans for the International Year to which funds have been allocated but I attach much importance to the Department's continuing efforts to help disabled people in every way that it can.

Sir David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what proposals there are by the British Airports Authority and the major international airlines to improve the facilities for disabled passengers using British Airports Authority airports in 1981.

Mr. Eyre

During the International Year of the Disabled 1981, the British Airports Authority, which pays great attention, in the design of its airports, to the problems of disabled passengers, will review its specifications and the facilities at each airport and try to remedy any deficiencies.

The International Air Transport Association has devised new procedures for the medical clearance and handling of disabled passengers, which have been adopted by member airlines. IATA is also issuing booklets for airline staff, travel agents and doctors respectively on the special needs of disabled air travellers, and guidance for helping them.

The BAA and the major British airlines are participating in the conferences sponsored by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport and my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department of Health and Social Security, to consider other practical initiatives in contribution to the objectives of the International Year of Disabled People 1981.