HC Deb 11 February 1987 vol 110 cc279-80W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if doctors' surgeries' improvement grants are available to carry out improvements to the accessibility of surgeries for disabled people; and what guidance has been issued to family practitioner committees on the subject.

Mr. Newton

Family practitioner committees have discretion to make available grants to improve surgeries in a number of ways, including improving accessibility for disabled people. Guidance on eligibility for improvement grants is contained in the statement of fees and allowances payable under the National Health Service general medical services issued to all family practitioner committees and family doctors. The importance of ease of access to premises and movement within them is fully recognised in the minimum standards criteria for surgery rent and rates reimbursement. This too is set out in the statement of fees and allowances.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the committees on which disabled people should be appointed according to section 10 of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986.

Mr. Major

Section 10 of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986 will apply to the following committees:

  • Social Security Advisory Committee.
  • Central Advisory Committee on War Pensions.
  • War Pensions Committees.
  • Committees attached to bodies constituted under Section 10(2) of the Employment and Training Act 1973 or persons appointed to advise the Secretary of State under S5(2)(a) of that Act.
  • Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee.
  • Transport Users Consultative Committee.
  • London Regional Passengers Committee.
  • Advisory Committee on Telecommunications for Disabled and Elderly People.
  • Gas Consumers Council.
  • Electricity Consultative Councils.
  • Post Office Users' Councils.
  • Domestic Coal Consumers' Council.
  • Any local authority committee concerned with matters in which chronically sick and disabled people have special needs.