§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he plans to publish a code of practice on access to goods, facilities, services and590W premises under part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and guidance on the definition of disability contained in the Act. [39941]
§ Mr. BurtWe will be publishing tomorrow a code of practice covering rights to access to goods, facilities, services and premises under part III of the Disability Discrimination Act. The code gives practical advice through a wide range of examples to illustrate how service providers and those involved in the selling, letting and managing of premises can comply with the provisions, although the action required in any given situation will depend on the particular circumstances. By publishing the code now, we are giving service providers and others affected time to take account of its guidance before the new rights come into force on 2 December this year.
We will also be publishing guidance on the definition of disability contained in the Act, which helps to clarify who is protected by the Disability Discrimination Act's provisions.
The code and guidance will form part of a co-ordinated framework of advice and guidance to ensure that the business community and disabled people are aware of their new duties and rights under the Act.
As well as the printed version, the code and guidance will also be available in braille and on audio cassette tape. All formats will be available through Her Majesty's Stationery Office outlets.