§ Mr. BerryTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what amounts in his Department's budget for 1998–99 can be attributed to spending on disabled people; and what proportion this represents of total departmental spending. [71286]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonMost expenditure related to disabled people by my Department is not held in a single budget but is one part of a number of different budgets, and thus cannot be provided without disproportionate cost. This includes such items as modifications to buildings and their surroundings to enable access, the provision of training material and publications in alternative formats, the use of interpreters, and disability awareness training and good practice guidance for MOD staff.
There is, however, some central provision for staff with disabilities, amounting to around £100K in 1998–99. This covers items such as specialised equipment and associated training, and funding for a disability bursary for a member of MOD's staff.