§ Mr. BerryTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what arrangements have been made to ensure that the Millennium Dome is fully accessible for disabled people. [67251]
§ Janet Anderson[holding answer 25 January 1999]: The Access Advisory Group was the first advisory group to be established by the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC). It held its first meeting in June 1997 and considers accessibility and special needs issues in relation to the Dome. Members are drawn from a range of voluntary sector organisations covering physical, sensory and learning disabilities, mental health issues and the needs of older people. The group is chaired by Mr. David Phillips of Holiday Care Service.
The NMEC aims to provide for the needs of people with disabilities in an exemplary fashion, taking full account of advice from the experts on the Advisory Group. The Group has advised the Company on a wide range of accessibility issues including transportation, parking, the natural and built environment, displays and facilities, on-site information and promotional materials, ticketing arrangements, and disability awareness training.
Parking will be available for Orange Badge holders on a pre-booked basis, close to the Dome entrance. There will be landtrains available; there will be level, ramped or list access to all areas, displays and features; and there will be wheelchairs available for those who require them. Suitable toilets will be available at each of the six service cores in the Dome and elsewhere around the site.