§ Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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 he1150W will make a statement. [18597]
§ Mr. FreemanBecause my Department does not deal with the public direct, the main thrust of our initiatives aimed at providing access and facilities for disabled people relates to our role as an employer of civilian staff. These initiatives form part of my Department's programme for action on disability called "Ability not Disability", which aims to achieve equality of opportunity for disabled people in recruitment, training and career development. One specific action within the programme is a survey of all buildings housing 100 or more staff to identify what needs to be done to make them accessible to disabled people, and to fund the necessary modifications by 1999.