§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce legislation to require all public authorities, including nationalised industries and local authorities, to install only new private branch telephone exchange equipment capable of modification for use by blind and disabled people; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WakehamI have been asked to reply.
I am confident that the industry is alive to the importance of producing equipment capable of the kind of modification the hon. Member has in mind. Most notably, a modified version of British Telecom's new generation Monarch private branch exchange will soon be undergoing practical trials with RNIB participation. There is, accordingly, no need for legislation.