§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what provisions are made by his Department for visitors to his Department who have physical difficulties. [56257]
§ Mr. FatchettVisitors to Department buildings who have physical difficulties are provided with assistance and guidance to ensure that, as far as possible, these difficulties do not hamper access or the conduct of their business.
An Audit of the Department's buildings was carried out earlier this year to cover the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The Terms of Reference included examining our current access arrangements for visitors with physical difficulties.
An independent architectural adviser, specialising in disabled access arrangements, who helped us design access for disabled visitors to our Information Centre which opened earlier this year, is now working up the Audit findings into an action plan. Our Officials will be meeting the adviser shortly to discuss the way forward.
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