§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to improve access for people with disabilities to museums, galleries, theatres, libraries and sports arenas.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 5 July 1993]: It is for the management of each organisation to consider how its buildings and, in the case of museums, galleries and libraries, its collections can be made accessible to disabled people. The Government have close links with a range of statutory, voluntary and private sector bodies which are active in encouraging such organisations to increase access for disabled members of the public.
The Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 require access for disabled people to the ground floor of all buildings other than dwellings and buildings used for storage purposes. These provisions, which were first introduced in 1986, apply to all new buildings and to alterations and extensions to existing buildings. Proposed amendments to the current regulations were the subject of public consultation. They would require access for disabled people to the upper floors of all buildings except dwellings and storage buildings. These amendments should come into force in Scotland in the new year and would apply to all new buildings and to alterations and extensions to existing buildings.
As far as sports stadia are concerned, ground managements are equally responsible for ensuring adequate access. I particularly welcome the provisions for the disabled being made at those stadia currently being redeveloped in terms of Taylor report requirements.