§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to increase the accessibility of polling booths to the aged who are disabled; [109988]
(2) if he will estimate the increase in the number of people aged 65 or over who would vote in a national election if all polling booths were accessible to those with disabilities [109987]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Representation of the People Bill includes measures specifically aimed at increasing the accessibility of polling places to disabled voters. In addition, guidance on national minimum access standards for polling places was issued in June 1999; new guidance on disabled access to electoral services is being developed, and grants are available to local authorities for temporary ramps and polling screens. No statistics are collected on the age or disability of voters.