§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will provide funding to allow existing Jobcentre Plus staff to receive British Sign Language training; and if he will make a statement; [83995]
(2) what improvements the Government intends making to the availability of British Sign Language interpreters at (a) Jobcentre Plus offices and (b) other Government offices; and if he will make a statement; [83996]
(3) if he will make a statement on the availability of British Sign Language interpreters at (a) Jobcentre plus offices and (b) other Government offices; and if he will make a statement; [83997]
(4) if he will set up full time mobile British Sign Language interpreter posts to cover offices in rural areas and to assist in benefit application procedures in their home where necessary; and if he will make a statement. [84002]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownBoth Jobcentre Plus and The Pensions Service are committed to providing a British Sign Language interpreter for anyone who requires one to carry out their business with us. Disability Employment Advisers in Jobcentre Plus offices can also take up British Sign Language training.
Interpreters can be arranged both for office appointments and for home visits, for example in rural areas. Interviews and home visits using a British Sign Language interpreter are arranged as soon as a suitable interpreter is available. Similar arrangements are available at other Government offices.
We are continuously examining possible service improvements and Jobcentre Plus is currently in discussion with the Royal National Institute for the Deaf about improving further the service available to deaf customers.