§ Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will outline the measures taken, facilities offered and adjustments made in his Department and agencies for which he is responsible to facilitate access for disabled people; what plans he has to improve access; and if he will make a statement. [18588]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Department is committed to providing and improving access into and around its buildings for staff and visitors with disabilities. Where the physical characteristics of existing buildings allow, accommodation officers make arrangements to meet the specific needs of people with disabilities on advice from the departmental disabled persons officer.
Facilities already provided include wheelchair ramps, lifts with tactile buttons, car parking facilities and assistance where necessary. Induction loops are available for people with hearing difficulties and arrangements can also be made for sign language interpretation at meetings or interviews.