HL Deb 29 June 2000 vol 614 cc101-2WA
Lord Dormand of Easington

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action are they taking in respect of the recommendation of the Disability Rights Task Force in From Exclusion to Inclusion that they should establish a statutory group on improving access to the built environment for disabled people. [HL3110]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Whitty)

We accept the thinking behind the task force's recommendation. We have therefore asked the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Commitee (DPTAC) to establish a working group to advise government on improving access to the built environment for disabled people. DPTAC has agreed to do so. This new role for the committee will be in addition to its statutory functions in respect of the transport needs of disabled people. There will be no immediate amendment to those statutory functions.

Easy access to buildings and facilities within buildings are basic civil rights which are sometimes denied to people with disabilities. We will be looking to the new group to tell me how government and industry can make improvements in this area.