§ Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice is given to fire officers in 13W approving access for disabled people to buildings; and on what grounds they may restrict disabled people's use of any part of the building.
§ Mr. MellorThe principal concern of fire officers in considering the use of buildings by the disabled is to ensure that satisfactory provision is made for the rapid evacuation of all the occupants, whether disabled or able-bodied, in the event of fire. The adequacy of the means of escape is a matter for the judgment of individual fire officers who have to take into account not only the needs of the disabled but also the effect that their presence may have on arrangements for the emergency evacuation of other persons in the building.