§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to change the building regulations for houses in relation to the introduction of requirements for(a) level access at ground floor, (b) minimum sizes of rooms, (c) circulation space and (d) other barrier-free needs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. Friend intends to consult on a range of building regulation requirements which could be applied to the design of new dwellings for the benefit of disabled people; and we are currently considering comments from a wide range of organisations concerned with disabled people on what topics should be covered in this consultation. Any new requirements would not apply retrospectively to existing dwellings.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with Scottish Homes concerning the introduction of accessible standards as a condition of the granting of housing association grants; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonNo specific discussions have taken place. The allocation of, and conditions for, funding to registered housing associations are matters entirely for Scottish Homes. I am, however, aware that Scottish Homes supports the barrier-free concept.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to revise the design guides, known as housing handbooks; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonWe are considering what action might be taken in the context of the758W recommendations of the Ewing committee on housing for people with physical disabilities, published earlier this year, on the handbooks for housing for elderly and disabled people. The advice contained in the handbook on local house condition surveys is being revised by Scottish Homes. There are no plans to review the remaining parts of the "Scottish Housing Handbook".