§ Liz BlackmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department has taken to publicise good practice in inclusive design and(b) provide data, guidelines and case studies relating to inclusive design to those involved in the design and production of (i) digital television products, (ii) digital radio products and (iii) telecommunications products. [111166]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Department is committed to encouraging good design and this is done principally through our involvement in standards work. The placing of accessibility features in standards ensures that all products of that type include them. We actively participate in drafting key standards. A major conference was held earlier this year by the European Standards Bodies in conjunction with the Commission to promote inclusive design.
A task listed in the Action Plan of the Digital Television Project, jointly led by DTI and DCMS, is to "address human factors issues including access for disabled people". The DTI commissioned a scoping report from Loughborough University in 2002 and has commissioned follow-up work with Scientific Generics Limited including a report on inclusive design which is due in Q3, 2003. On 10 July 2003, DTI hosted an 16W Intellect seminar on Digital Terrestrial Television Product Usability which was attended by a number of key manufacturers of television receivers."Usability for All" was the main theme of the seminar.
§ Liz BlackmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had with manufacturers of digital radios on improving the accessibility of this equipment for visually impaired people. [111168]
§ Mr. TimmsDTI officials have regular discussions with manufacturers of radio receivers on the development of digital radio technology, applications and markers. Although UK sales of digital radio receivers have increased in recent months, the market is still at a very early stage. We expect to see a greater range of receivers on offer over the coming months, including those with larger clearer screens, which will make digital radio programmes more accessible to all, including visually impaired people. Options being considered by manufacturers for the figure include digital radios with audio guides which read alound what is currently displayed as text.
Access to digital radio services is not limited to the current range of digital radio receivers. Many digital radio services can also be accessed by digital television receivers and computers, providing a greater range of options for the visually impaired and others.
As noted in my reply to my hon. Friend's Question No. 111167, OFCOM will have powers to act to further the interests of consumers on such issues as ease of accessibility.