§ Mr. Tom Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with local authorities as to the introduction of an induction loop system for people hard of hearing in all council buildings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungIt is for local authorities to decide in which of their buildings induction loops should be provided but the Town and Country Planning Act 1971, as amended by the Disabled Persons Act 1981, requires the local planning authority, when granting planning permission for buildings to which the public are admitted, to draw the attention of the person to whom permission is granted to the British Standards Institution code of practice BS5810. This recommends the installation of induction loops in new conference halls and similar facilities.