European Year of Disabled People

HC Deb 28 October 2002 vol 391 c647W

Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the official British contribution to mark the forthcoming European Year of Disabled People. [76819]

Maria Eagle

The Government is contributing £1 million to fund the UK programme of activity to support the European Year of Disabled People.

We have agreed an overall plan for the European Year, including a theme, "Promote Rights and Participation", funding, and a competitive bidding process for projects at local, regional and national level.

Launch events are being planned for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. These will be held in January 03.

We expect to announce the successful projects before the end of this year.