§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultation he has recommended(a) Government Departments and (b) local authorities to carry out with organisations representing disabled people 235W regarding (i) the construction of access for disabled people to new buildings and (ii) making access easier for disabled people to older buildings. [10527]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesUsers and owners of buildings, including Government Departments, normally seek to make them accessible in accordance with recognised standards and guidelines, produced in consultation with organisations representing disabled people. Formal guidance is given in the approved document supporting part M of the Building Regulations 1991 and in the British Standards Institution's code of practice for access for the disabled to buildings, BS 5810, both of which were subject to consultation.
Following Department of the Environment circular 10/82, general advice on access issues is also available from local authorities, many of whom have appointed access officers specifically for the purpose. They liaise with access groups representing local disabled people.
Regulations and guidance on implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, including access to existing buildings, will be subject to consultation with organisations representing disabled people by the Departments responsible for implementing the various parts of the Act.