§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to employ a special needs adviser with a specific remit of developing United Kingdom-wide standard for wheelchair housing.
§ Sir George YoungThe Government recognise the desirability of providing accessible housing for disabled people. However, the development of a national standard for wheelchair housing is more appropriate to the work of the British Standards Institution than that of a special needs adviser within my Department. There is a British standard, BS5619, "Design of housing for the convenience of disabled people". The revision of this standard, which does not currently address the special needs of wheelchair users, is being considered and my Department would be willing to play a full part, alongside organisations which provide housing for special needs, in discussions on incorporating improved provisions for wheelchair users in any such revision.