§ Mr. LetwinTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions who has responsibility for(a) enforcing regulations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1999 and (b) ensuring that pubs are aware of their duties under it. [51174]
§ Maria Eagle[holding answer 19 April 2002]: The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) has responsibility for enforcement action by means of a formal investigation where it has reason to believe that a person has committed or is committing an unlawful act under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act DDA, and any regulations made under it. It can also help individual disabled people secure their rights by, in some circumstances, providing legal assistance. The DRC also has responsibilities to provide information and advice to service providers, including pubs, about their obligations under the DDA and guidance on good practice. It prepares statutory codes of practice, runs a Helpline and undertakes general awareness raising initiatives. These activities complement the media campaigns run by the Government to raise awareness of the DDA.