§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the arrangements for issuing orange badge parking permits to disabled people. [12759]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonWe have no plans at present to change either the criteria for issuing orange badges or the parking concessions granted to badge holders under the scheme. However, the Government have agreed, subject to parliamentary scrutiny, to a European Commission proposal for a recommendation to member states for a standard design for national parking badges to facilitate their mutual recognition. If finally agreed, the new design would be introduced in the United Kingdom over the normal three-year replacement cycle from 1 January 2000.