§ 22. Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the Disability Rights Commission in Scotland. [136342]
§ Dr. ReidThe Government are committed to full civil rights for disabled people. The Disability Rights Commission, which was set up on 25 April this year, is a major step forward towards achieving this. The Commission's remit extends throughout Great Britain and 631W it has an office in Scotland. Both the UK Government and the Scottish Executive are working closely with this office.
Since it was established, the Disability Rights Commission has been active on a number of fronts. It runs a Disability Discrimination Act helpline (on 08458 622633) and it expects to take some 50,000 calls by the end of 2000–01. It is dealing with around 40 cases per month, which involve advice to individuals, providing information on other bodies, conciliation and providing direct support. The Commission will also be preparing Codes of Practice for the Special Educational Needs and Disability in Education Bill. It is also engaged in research.
The Government will continue to work closely with the Commission to ensure that we continue to make progress on issues that concern disabled people.