§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what guidelines he has issued to museums, galleries, theatres, and other artistic venues in receipt of public funds as to expected practice in relation to access for people with disabilities.
§ Mr. DorrellMy hon. Friend the Minister for Social Security and Disabled People announced on 24 November a package of measures to tackle discrimination against disabled people, including a right of access to goods and services. This includes provisions for the removal of physical and communication barriers.
It has not been my Department's role to issue guidelines. However, most of my Department's sponsored bodies have policies on facilities for people with disabilities and some of them issue guidelines. In addition, when giving directions under section 26 of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993, my predecessor reminded those bodies responsible for the distribution of proceeds from the lottery that those who are disadvantaged, including people with disabilities, should be able to benefit from lottery funds in the same ways as others in the community, and that it was important that access to facilities which receive lottery funding should be as wide as possible.