HC Deb 19 July 1995 vol 263 cc1305-6W
Mr. Boateng

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many courts in England and Wales were equipped with(a) clearly marked signs using a minimum typeface of 12 points and materials in large print, (b) human aid to communications including sign language provision and (c) induction loops, for each of the last five years. [35541]

Mr. John M. Taylor

The question concerns a specific operational matter on which the chief executive of the Court Service is best placed to provide an answer and I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.

Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Paul Boateng, dated 19 July 1995: The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your Question about the number of courts, for each of the last five years, equipped with

  1. (a) clearly marked signs using a minimum typeface of 12 points and materials in large print,
  2. (b) human aid to communications including sign language provision, and
  3. (c) induction loops.
I am afraid that, in the time available, it has not been possible to obtain the information sought under a) or to cover more than the current position under b) and c). The figures are as follows; b) 6 and c) 27. Courts in the Royal Courts of Justice and the Principal Registry of the Family Division do not have induction loops. However, four courtrooms have infrared hearing systems and there are also four portable hearing aid systems.

Mr. Boateng

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many courts in England and Wales were equipped with facilities, including toilet access for(a) blind and partially sighted people, (b) hard of hearing and deaf people and (c) wheelchair users for each of the last five years. [35542]

Mr. John M. Taylor

The question concerns a specific operational matter on which the chief executive of the Court Service is best placed to provide an answer and I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.

Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Paul Boateng, dated 19 July 1995: The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about the number of courts, for each of the last five years, equipped with facilities, including toilet access, for

  1. (a) blind and partially sighted people,
  2. (b) hard of hearing and deaf people, and
  3. (c) wheelchair users.
I am afraid that in the time available it has not been possible to obtain the information sought under a) or to cover more than the current position under b) and c). The figures are as follows; b) 27 and c) 69.