§ Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. [18598]
§ Mr. GoodladThis Department ensures that all new refurbishment projects build in access and facilities for disabled people, apart from areas which are protected on heritage grounds. Disabled staff and visitors have access to all floors of the FCO's main building. There is a wheelchair access to the FCO's only public office in London. Car parking for disabled people is also available.
When planning new building work overseas, the FCO complies with UK and EU building regulations which require disabled access to non-domestic buildings. Where the local standard is higher, the FCO meets local requirements.
The Overseas Development Administration's sites in London and East Kilbride provide disabled access to the buildings, including lifts to all floors. The ODA is considering the installations of stairlifts to two areas of the London office currently inaccessible to wheelchair users.
The Natural Resources Institute's accommodation was checked and approved by the Department of Employment's disablement advisory service in the late 1980s.